A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake strikes off the Kermadec Islands near New Zealand, triggering a tsunami warning, Reuters reports.

The earthquake is about 1,000 miles from New Zealand’s mainland, NewsTalk Radio in New Zealand tells Fox News.

The Pacific Tsunami Center said waves were 2.2-2.7 feet high around Raoul Island. It also estimated that waves would reach East Cape in New Zealand, within two hours and Auckland within three hours of the quake, reported Reuters.

The Kermadec Islands are remote islands with some scientists and not many residents.

(Source: Fox News)