Magnitude-7.1 earthquake hits off New Zealand coast

NEW ZEALAND -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.1 struck off the coast of New Zealand on Thursday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The temblor hit off the east coast of New Zealand's northern island around 4:37 p.m. UTC at a depth of around 30.7 kilometers, USGS reported.

USGS initially reported the quake to be 7.2 but downgraded it to 7.1.

There have been reports of at least five big aftershocks, all above magnitude-5.0, the strongest one a 5.7.

So far, there are no reports of injuries or major damage, but right now there is a potential tsunami threat to the country.

Stay with ABC7 News for more details on this developing story.