7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes New Zealand’s North Island

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit 130 kilometres north-east of Te Araroa in the early hours of this morning. It was felt from Northland to Wellington in the North Island and in the top of the South Island. A 30 centimetre tsunami was triggered by the quake.

There were a series of aftershocks after the initial quake at 2.37am AEST. The first was a 6.2 magnitude shock at 3.14 AEST, and by 5.10am AEST 57 aftershocks had occurred.

GNS scientist Anna Keiser told SMH the earthquake would have been felt by many as a “long rolling motion”.

After the first shock, a tsunami warning was issued for the North Island’s East Coast and the upper South Island by New Zealand’s Civil Defence. The warning was cancelled at 6:30 AEST, with the only tsunami activity being 30 centimetres high.

There have been no reports of significant damage or injuries — although 1,000 Eastern Bay of Plenty homes are currently without power — and despite initial evacuations the locals seem to be taking everything in their stride.

A 5.7 magnitude quake was also recorded at 8.04am AEST on 1 September, 100 kilometres north-east of Te Araroa.


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