6.9-magnitude earthquake hits near New Zealand

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck near New Zealand’s Kermadec Islands on Tuesday morning.

According to ABC News, the U.S. Geological Survey said that the quake happened around 7:20 local time and hit southeast of Raoul Island, the largest of the chain islands.

Earlier reports indicated that the quake was actually a 7.2 magnitude, but that was later downgraded to a 6.9.

The initial quake was followed by an aftershock that measured 6.3 on the Richter scale. The USGS said that in all, a total of three quakes occurred in same area of the South Pacific Ocean.

CNN noted that there were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that there was no threat of a tsunami and therefore no warning had been issued.

Tremors are not uncommon in and around New Zealand as the country is situated on the infamous Ring of Fire.

Most of the Kermadec Islands are uninhabited nowadays except for Raoul.