earthquake of magnitude 6.6 strikes off the coast of the New Zealand: USGS

WELLINGTON: A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.6 has struck off the coast of the northeastern coast of the New Zealand, on Tuesday, said the US Geological Survey.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a warning of tsunami local but said that no there was no threat of a destructive widespread tsunami.

The earthquake at 1: 02 pm (1302 Monday GMT) about 550 kilometres (350 miles) from Auckland, USGS stated, with an epicenter 90 kilometers (55 miles) below the surface.

USGS had previously placed the magnitude at 6.4.

Second largest city Christchurch the New Zealand was devastated by an earthquake of magnitude 6.3 in February, which made 181 dead and followed a more potent but less destructive 7.1 quake last September. (AFP)