Magnitude 6.1 quake strikes off New Zealand coast

WELLINGTON — A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck New Zealand near Wellington on Wednesday at a depth of 48 km (30 miles), government seismic monitor Geonet said.

The earthquake's epicenter was 50 km from the town of Paraparaumu, according to Geonet.

A M6.1 earthquake caused a long and strong shake felt widely across the North Island and Marlborough region. We received over 61k felt reports.

No tsunami is expected.

Remember, drop, cover hold in the event of aftershocks.

It’s a difficult time for the N. Island. Kia kaha ♥ pic.twitter.com/jVpXdaffjk

— GeoNet (@geonet) February 15, 2023

A Reuters witness felt a strong shaking that lasted several seconds in the capital of Wellington.

New Zealand lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire," a 40,000-km arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.

This comes after Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage across the North Island this week leaving 4 people dead, more than 10,000 people displaced and widespread damage. — Reuters