Tsunami threat alert issued in New Zealand  

Tsunami threat alert issued in New Zealand  

WELLINGTON: (APP) New Zealand issued a "potential" tsunami threat Friday after a powerful 7.1 magnitude struck off the east coast of the North Island.

The country's civil defence organisation said it had issued "a tsunami potential threat advisory in all New Zealand coastal areas".

Radio New Zealand reported residents in coastal areas near the East Cape district were advised by the local civil defence to evacuate.