New Zealanders Climb to Higher Ground Following Tsunami Warning

A tsunami warning was issued for large stretches of New Zealand’s northeast coastline on March 5 after a magnitude-8.1 earthquake — the third in the country that morning — struck the Kermadec Islands, about 600 miles northeast of the North Island.

New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency warned residents in areas ranging from the Bay of Islands down to Tolaga Bay to “move immediately” to higher ground or “as far inland as possible.”

Footage from Russell shows residents gathered atop Flagstaff Hill as sirens blared in the background.

A tsunami warning was also issued in American Samoa, while Hawaii was placed under a tsunami watch. Credit: Flaxworx NZ via Storyful