People living in coastal areas have been told to stay out of the ocean and away from beaches after a powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake occurred off New Zealand's South Island, authorities said.

Residents in Southland and Fiordland should avoid sea areas because strong and irregular currents may pose a risk, according to the National Emergency Management Agency following Tuesday's earthquake, Alzajeera reported.
More than 4,700 individuals felt the quake, according to national seismic monitor Geonet, with New Zealand media reporting objects dropping and buildings swaying.