New Zealand: Earthquake of 6.2 magnitude hits New Plymouth

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit near New Plymouth in New Zealand on Tuesday morning. However, there are no reports of damage and casualties so far.

According to the United States Geological Survey, “The quake hit at 2:54 am and was centred in the ocean, 312.9 kilometres south-southeast of Ushuaia, Argentina and 552 kilometres south-southeast of Punta Arenas, Chile.”

On the other hand, GNS Science, the country’s earthquake monitoring body, said the quake was widely felt around the country and lasted a long time. “There was no tsunami threat but people needed to take care during the aftershocks(sic),” the agency said.

The quake was felt most strongly in central New Zealand, including the capital city of Wellington. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or injury. People near the epicentre reported their houses swaying and pictures falling off walls.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the earthquake south-west of Taumarunui and warned residents to keep an eye on updates.

To those who felt the quake – GNS have confirmed their assessment that it was M6.2 and 25km SW of Taumarunui. Widely felt across central NZ. Grabbing updates from officials but in the meantime, do check on those around you!

— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) October 30, 2018

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Internal Affairs who was travelling with the couple said the quake was not felt in Auckland and the couple ‘didn’t feel it’.

More details are awaited.

It is one of the strongest earthquakes in New Zealand. Earlier, an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck near Kaikoura in November 2016, which killed two people.

On Monday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 struck off the southern tip of South America.

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