India, July 16 -- A powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand's South Island on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami alert for parts of the country's southwest coast. The quake's epicentre was located about 40 kilometres north of Te Anau in the Fiordland region, an area known for its seismic activity.

Strong tremors were felt across Southland, Otago, Canterbury and nearby regions, with thousands of residents reporting the shaking.

Following the earthquake, New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) urged people in coastal areas between Milford Sound and Puysegur Point to move away from beaches, harbours and estuaries due to the risk of dangerous currents and tsunami surges.

The initial tsunami wa...