A giant 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck off the northeast coast of New Zealand, USGS confirmed.
New Zealand authorities were investigating whether there was a tsunami warning to follow.
It urged all residents near the coast to "move immediately" instead of waiting for the tsunami review.
However, about an hour after the earthquake was recorded, it was revealed there wasn't a tsunami threat to the country.
The earthquake hit at about 1.42am UK time, which is about 12.42pm in New Zealand.
The epicentre appeared to be located around the Kermadec Islands, which is about 500 miles north-east of the New Zealand coast.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) tweeted at the time: "We are assessing whether the M7.3 KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION earthquake has created a tsunami that could affect New Zealand.
"Anyone near the coast who felt a LONG or STRONG quake should MOVE IMMEDIATELY to the nearest high ground, or as far inland as you can #EQNZ."
Shortly after the earthquake was recorded, authorities urged residents to evacuate from coastal regions as soon as possible.
The NEMA's website said: "People should be self-evacuating immediately from all places near the coast where the earthquake was felt EITHER for longer than a minute OR was strong enough that it was hard to stand.
"In these areas a tsunami may have been generated and may arrive quickly, so evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as possible.
"This evacuation advice overrides the current COVID-19 self isolation requirements.
"Do not stay at home if you are near the coast and felt the earthquake LONG or STRONG. Evacuate immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones or as far inland as possible."
But, after careful monitoring, authorities didn't issue a tsunami warning. NEMA still advised residents to evacuate from coastal areas in the future if they feel an earthquake.
A powerful 5.4-magnitude earthquake was recorded about half an hour after the initial strike.
New Zealand's most recent powerful earthquake was also recorded around the Kermadec Islands.
In March 2022, a 6.6-magnitude 'quake struck at a depth of about 24km.
But, the biggest earthquake to strike since the year 2000 in New Zealand was recorded in December 2004, when a huge 8.1-magnitude quake landed south of the country.
