Tsunami warning lifted in New Zealand

Wellington: Authorities in New Zealand have lifted a tsunami warning that was issued after a major earthquake struck the Kermadec Islands.

The country's Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management said in its latest advisory: "The beach and marine tsunami warning has been cancelled. There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the magnitude 7.0 Kermadec Islands region earthquake at 10.55am.

"Based on current information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to have caused a tsunami that will pose a threat to New Zealand."

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also lifted its warning for parts fo the South Pacific but said "minor sea level
fluctuations may occur in some coastal areas near the earthquake."

The earthquake was given a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, but later downgraded according to the US Geological Survey.

The Kermadec Islands are famous for its volcanoes, many of which are active and rise above sea level.