A recent earthquake has already hit in New Zealand.
An earthquake which rocked New Zealand’s South Island at midnight local time and reached a 7.8 magnitude has now sparked fears of a tsunami.
The New Zealand Ministry of Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning for the eastern coast of North and South Island including the Chatham Islands and is advising those in affected coastal areas to move inland or to higher ground.
Waves are expected to arrive in the eastern coast of the North Island shortly.
What should you do if you are in New Zealand?
According to MCDEM, the first wave has arrived in the north eastern coast of South Island and it may arrive in the eastern coast of North and South Islands of New Zealand shortly (including Wellington, Christchurch and the Chatham Islands).
It added: "The first wave may not be the largest, but waves may continue for several hours, so people should move inland or to higher ground immediately.
"People in coastal areas should one, stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities), two, stay off beaches and shore area, three, do not go sightseeing, four, share this information with family, neighbours and friends, five, listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, six, follow instructions of local civil defence authorities."
Is it safe to visit New Zealand?
If you’re visiting remote areas of New Zealand, make sure your journey details are known to local authorities or friends/relatives before setting out.
You can also contact your tour operator or change your travel plans to avoid towns and villages that have been affected by the earthquake.
Check the FCO website for updates before your trip and the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management website for advice.
New Zealand lies along the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates and is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
There are thousands of earthquakes in New Zealand every year, but most of them are not felt because they are either small, or very deep within the earth.
Each year there are about 150-200 quakes that are big enough to be felt. A large damaging earthquake could occur at any time, and can be followed by aftershocks that continue for days or weeks.
What should you do if you are caught in an earthquake?
In the event of an earthquake, advice provided by the Earthquake Commission explains what you should do if you are indoors or outdoors.
Indoors
Move no more than a few steps to a safe place, drop, cover and hold on
Do not attempt to run outside
Stay indoors until the shaking stops. Stay away from windows, chimneys and shelves containing heavy objects.
In bed
Hold on and stay there, and protect your head and body with a pillow and blankets
Outdoors
Move as short a distance as possible to find a clear spot, away from buildings, trees and power lines. Drop to the ground.
In a car
Slow down and drive to a clear place away from buildings, trees and power lines, Stay in the car with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
In a lift
Stop at the nearest floor and get out.
In the period after an earthquake, follow the direction of local authorities.
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