Massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand, tsunami warning issued

A powerful earthquake of magnitude of 7.8 struck off the coast of New Zealand at 1637 GMT 130 km north-east of Te Araroa, according to US Geological Survey (USGS). 

The civil authorities have ordered the evacuation of certain coastal areas over fears that the quake could trigger a tsunami. 

"The first tsunami activity has arrived. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours," the Civil Defence organisation, responsible for national emergency management, AFP reports. 

There are no immediate reports of casualties or injuries. 

People took to Twitter to report how they were woken up by shaking, Reuters said. 

There is no danger of tsunami on the Pacific coasts of the Americas, the US National Tsunami Warning Centre said. 

(WION with inputs from agencies)