Tsunami observed after M8.1 quake hits off New Zealand

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.1 hit off New Zealand on Friday morning, triggering a Pacific-wide tsunami alert, the U.S. Geological Survey and local authorities said.The powerful quake struck at 8:28 a.m. local time near the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand at a depth of 19 kilometers, the USGS said.The country's National Emergency Management Agency said the largest waves have passed and those who evacuated can now return to their homes. But it added people should remain vigilant and take extra precautions with regards to beach and ocean activities as strong and unusual cur…READ FULL ARTICLE