New Zealand issues tsunami warning after powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake strikes off northeastern coast

Wellington: Officials in New Zealand issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas after a shallow, powerful earthquake struck off the northeastern coast on Thursday night.There were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency warned of a tsunami threat along the east of the country's North Island from the quake, which it measured at magnitude 7.3.The US Tsunami Warning System predicted waves of 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3.3 feet).The US Geological Survey said the quake measured magnitude 6.9.It said it was centered at a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles) under the ocean about 178 kilometers northeast of the city of Gisborne.Residents of Gisborne reported light to moderate shaking, it said.A magnitude 6.3 quake hit the city of Christchurch in 2011, killing 185 people and destroying much of its downtown.