New Zealand's Riverton hit by 6.8 magnitude earthquake

An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude struck off Riverton coast in New Zealand's South Island on Tuesday, United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. New Zealand's disaster agency checked for any tsunami threats. National Emergency Management Agency asked residents of the Southland and Fiordland regions to stay away from beaches and marine areas as strong and unusual currents may present a danger.