A magnitude 6.1 earthquake was recorded this Wednesday in New Zealand near the capital Wellington, according to the country’s seismic monitoring service, Geonet, to Reuters. This at a time when the country is still facing the effects of the passage of Cyclone Gabrielle, which claimed at least four lives and left more than 10,000 people homeless.
The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded about 50 kilometers from Paraparaumu. The earthquake was strongly felt in the North Island and the Marlborough region, Geonet said.
An M6.1 earthquake produced a long and strong shock that was widespread across the North Island and Marlborough region. We have received more than 61,000 felt reports.
No tsunami is expected.
Remember, drop, keep cover in case of aftershocks.
It’s a tough time for the N. Island. Kia kaha ♥ pic.twitter.com/jVpXdaffjk
– GeoNet (@geonet) February 15, 2023
According to the United States Geological Survey, USGS, the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.7, with the epicenter in the Cook Strait, between the country’s two main islands.
“It was widely felt in the North Island,” New Zealand’s civil protection agency said, quoted by AFP.
So far no damage has been reported and no tsunami warning has been issued.
According to the AFP, residents reported feeling the ground shake for 10 to 20 seconds.
An earthquake that occurs when the country tries to recover from the effects of the passage of a cyclone that mainly affected the North Island.
New Zealand says Cyclone Gabrielle has wreaked havoc “unseen in a generation”, forcing it to declare a national emergency for the third time in the country’s history. pic.twitter.com/YuXnzu37jW
– DW News (@dwnews) February 14, 2023
“It’s already a very stressful time for people – take care of yourself and those around you,” the New Zealand civil protection agency urged.
It’s already a very stressful time for people – take care of yourself and those around you. If you need additional support, you can contact 1737 by phone or text to speak to a trained councillor.
– National Emergency Management Agency (@NZcivildefence) February 15, 2023
Source: DN
