‘Move to higher ground’: First waves of a tsunami hit New...

Earlier today, it was reported that a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand, close to Christchurch. Now, in the aftermath, the first waves of a tsunami have hit.

Too many earthquakes in my life. Time to move! #earthquake #nz #wellington #thankgodforinsurance

A photo posted by Brad Faul (@bradfaul) on Nov 13, 2016 at 4:52am PST

The frightening turn of events was confirmed by the New Zealand Civil Defence, which has sent out warnings for people to stay away from beaches and head to high ground.

A tsunami has been generated, the first wave has arrived in the North Eastern Coast of the South Island. #eqnz
— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016

People on the East Coast should move to higher ground - rest of NZ stay off beaches and away from the water. #eqnz
— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016

“A tsunami has been generated, the first wave has arrived in the North Eastern Coast of the South Island,” read the first of a series of tweets, urging caution and vigilance.

They went on to issue further wave warnings for the Chatham Islands and the East Coast.

Affected New Zealanders are being updated with a map of the most dangerous areas.

The tsunami threat is for the entire NZ coastline. Stay off beaches. First waves have arrived but may not be the largest. pic.twitter.com/dVLM2w5Pxy
— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016

With a nation’s attention now turning to the severe weather warnings, sources predict that some coastal areas could be hit by waves as high as 16ft.

Meanwhile, the first injury reports have begun to roll in, with St John’s Ambulance service responding to emergency calls.

Tsunami hits New Zealand after strong quake: A tidal surge of up to 3 feet had hit the South Island's northeast…
— Tracy (@rshtrcy) November 13, 2016

Just read that there’s been a #tsunami after the #earthquake. Stay safe and take care #christchurch. Our prayers are with you. #newzealand
— Akhil Kakkar (@akhilkakkar) November 13, 2016