7.4 magnitude earthquake strikes off New Zealand coast, USGS says; tsunami warning canceled

KERMADEC ISLANDS (KABC) -- A magnitude 7.4 earthquake whose epicenter was located in waters off the coast of New Zealand struck on Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The major temblor occurred shortly before 6 a.m. Pacific Time, the USGS said, south of the Kermadec Islands. It's depth was measured at less than 1 mile.

Minutes after the quake, the National Weather Service said no tsunami was expected for the West Coast of the United States.

No injuries or major damage were reported in New Zealand.