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.
— GeoNet (@geonet) February 15, 2023
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
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