Two earthquakes hit between Fiji and New Zealand, no tsunami warning issued

Two earthquakes, measuring 6.5 and 6.1 on the Richter scale, struck between Fiji and New Zealand on Monday (April 14). The first and the bigger quake happened around 8:03 am New Zealand time. But was not big enough for the authorities to issue tsunami warnings. The earthquakes' location was the Kermadec Trench, a geological feature in the region at a depth of 337 km. The epicentre was about 333 km from New Zealand.

A 6.5 magnitude earthquake occurred 333 km from New Zealand at approximately 8:03 am. The earthquake's depth was recorded at 337 km below sea level.

Shortly after the first earthquake, a second quake with a magnitude of 6.1 was registered. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that no tsunami was generated by these seismic events.


The depth of the first earthquake likely played a role in mitigating the tsunami risk. Deeper earthquakes are less likely to generate tsunamis than shallower earthquakes of similar magnitude. This is because deeper earthquakes displace less water at the surface, reducing the potential for a large wave to form.

Fiji and New Zealand are located along the Kermadec Trench. This trench is a deep oceanic depression extending north from New Zealand towards Fiji.

The Kermadec Trench is a major geological feature in the region. It is a deep oceanic trench extending from New Zealand towards Fiji.

The trench is known for its seismic activity due to the tectonic plate movements in the area. The Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Australian Plate, creating a zone of intense pressure and frequent earthquakes. The depth of the first earthquake, 337 km below sea level, places it within this subduction zone.

This depth suggests that the earthquake originated from the interaction of these tectonic plates. The second earthquake, though not specified in depth, likely occurred within the same tectonic setting.

The Kermadec Trench is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone of high volcanic and seismic activity surrounding the Pacific Ocean.