Large earthquake strikes south of New Zealand
{{date|April 12, 2008}}
[[Image:NZOffshoreIslandsMap.png|thumb|right|200px|Map of the area]]
According to the [[w:United States Geological Survey|United States Geological Survey]] (USGS) a major [[w:Moment Magnitude Scale|magnitude]] 7.3 [[w:earthquake|earthquake]] has struck 131 kilometers (82 miles) southwest of [[w:Macquarie Island|Macquarie Island]], an Australian holding located to the south of [[New Zealand]].

The quake struck at 11:30 a.m. local time and had a depth of 10 k.m. (6.2 miles).

The [[w:National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] (NOAA) states that there is no threat of a large [[w:tsunami|tsunami]], but that small local waves may be generated close to the quake's [[w:epicenter|epicenter]].

The NOAA further said that, "Authorities can assume the danger has passed if no tsunami waves are observed near the epicenter within an hour of the earthquake."

So far, there is no word on injuries or damage.

{{haveyoursay}}
== Sources ==
*{{source|url=http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/messages/pacific/2008/pacific.2008.04.12.004312.txt
|title=Tsunami Bulletin 001 - 7.3 Earthquake
|author=
|pub=NOAA
|date=April 12, 2008}}
*{{source|url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2008qtae.php
|title=Magnitude 7.3 - MACQUARIE ISLAND REGION
|author=
|pub=USGS
|date=April 12, 2008}}

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[[Category:Oceania]]
[[Category:Australia]]
[[Category:Earthquakes]]
[[Category:Disasters and accidents]]
Map of the area
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) a major magnitude 7.3 earthquake has struck 131 kilometers (82 miles) southwest of Macquarie Island, an Australian holding located to the south of New Zealand.

The quake struck at 11:30 a.m. local time and had a depth of 10 k.m. (6.2 miles).

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that there is no threat of a large tsunami, but that small local waves may be generated close to the quake's epicenter.

The NOAA further said that, "Authorities can assume the danger has passed if no tsunami waves are observed near the epicenter within an hour of the earthquake."

So far, there is no word on injuries or damage.
Oceania Australia Earthquakes Disasters and accidents