Strong Quake Felt Near Riverton: Any Casualties?
A powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island early on Tuesday morning, shaking coastal communities but causing no reported injuries or property damage.
The tremor hit at 12:53 am local time on 8 July 2025 (12:53 UTC on 7 July), with its epicentre located approximately 208 kilometres west-southwest of Riverton and 115 kilometres north-west of the Snares Islands. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the depth of the quake at 10 kilometres, indicating it was relatively shallow, typically a factor that increases the intensity of ground shaking.
Epicentre of the Earthquake [Source: USGS]
Shaking Felt Across Southland Region
While no severe damage was reported, the quake was felt widely across the Southland region. The USGS estimated that around 5,000 people experienced light shaking, while up to 14,000 may have felt weaker tremors. Towns such as Invercargill and Gore, home to tens of thousands of residents, reported tremors, but no injuries were reported.
GeoNet, New Zealand’s geological hazard monitoring agency, measured the quake slightly lower at magnitude 6.1, with a depth of 12 kilometres. Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology placed the strength of the quake at magnitude 6.5, confirming that no tsunami threat was expected as a result of the seismic activity.
Epicentre Details and Building Safety
The epicentre was pinpointed at 47.22 degrees south latitude and 165.60 degrees east longitude. According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake was located approximately 407 kilometres west-southwest of Dunedin and 211 kilometres southwest of Riverton, a town with a population of around 1,400.
The USGS issued a Green alert, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or significant economic loss. It is partly due to the region’s preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Most buildings in New Zealand’s South Island are constructed to high seismic safety standards. However, authorities noted that a few vulnerable structures—such as unreinforced brick buildings—still exist, particularly in older townships.
Regional seismicity due to the earthquake [Credit: EMSC]
Earthquake Preparedness in New Zealand
New Zealand is situated in one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire keeps it in a risk of earthquake throughout the year. Earthquakes are a frequent natural hazard, and Kiwis are regularly reminded to be prepared.
Emergency services and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have urged residents to review their emergency plans, keep grab bags ready, and ensure that all household members know how to respond during and after an earthquake. Authorities encouraged communities to secure heavy furniture, check emergency supplies, and strengthen their homes where necessary.
A Reminder Without Tragedy
Despite the strength of the quake, its offshore location and moderate depth meant that the impact on people and infrastructure remained low. Still, experts stress that such events serve as reminders of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the region.
So far, no aftershocks have been reported, and local agencies continue to closely monitor the situation.
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Summary
A 3 magnitude earthquake struck off South Island, New Zealand, at 12:53 am NZ time on 8 July 2025.
The epicentre was 208 km from Riverton at a shallow depth of 10 km.
No reported casualties or property
No tsunami threat is expected.
Authorities issued a Green alert for impact, citing New Zealand’s strong seismic building codes.
Residents are reminded to stay prepared for future earthquakes.
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