7.1 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand islands

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand's Kermadec Islands at 1:42 p.m. local time on Monday.

The country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said there was no "tsunami threat" to New Zealand following the earthquake.

"Based on the available information, the initial assessment is that the earthquake is unlikely to cause a threatening tsunami for New Zealand," the statement said.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the earthquake was 49 kilometers (30 miles) deep.

The Kermadec Islands are located northeast of New Zealand's North Island and southwest of Tonga.

(AA)