New Zealand: Magnitude 5.9 tremor hits east coast of North Island

A magnitude 5.9 struck off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island on Sunday sending shocks across the region on Sunday. 

According to the German Research for Geosciences (GFZ) said that the quake hit at a depth of about 10km (6miles) with maritime surveillance monitoring the coast for aftershocks. The initial reports indicated no immediate major damages or casualties.

Given the gravity of the current tremor, the depth appears to be about 10 kilometers making it a relatively shallow quake.

The tremor offshore near the North Island showed no immediate reports of casualties or substantial damage.

Authorities and monitoring agencies are expected to evaluate the situation and determine whether the earthquake triggered any additional hazards in the region.