Tsunami warning after M6.9 earthquake hits off New Zealand coast

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted New Zealand at 13:27 GMT on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said, triggering a tsunami warning from authorities.

The epicenter, with a depth of 10.0 kilometers, was initially determined to be at 37.8 degrees south latitude and 179.5 degrees west longitude.

"Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters, hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 kilometers of the earthquake epicenter," the Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.