Magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits 705 km north-east of Opotiki, New Zealand

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 jolted 705 km NE of Opotiki, New Zealand at 12:49:52 GMT on Thursday, the US Geological Survey said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicentre, with a depth of 33.0 km, was initially determined to be at 33.513 degrees south latitude and 177.192 degrees west longitude.

The government agency GNS Science is still evaluating the tsunami threat from the quake.

(With inputs from agencies)