A strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake has struck central New Zealand.
The earthquake struck at a depth of 207km about 25km south-west of Taumarunui. There is no immediate reports of damage and Civil Defence have advised there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand.
The quake hit at 3:13pm local time.
Geonet says that nearly 15,500 people felt the quake from as far away as Auckland and Bluff, while people in Wellington report it went on for around 30 seconds. New Zealand’s Parliament reportedly had to temporarily suspend its session, but now resumed.
Deputy Speaker Anne Tolley made the decision after the quake seemed to roll on for some time, shaking the cameras filming proceedings.
Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern who is currently in Auckland hosting Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Tweeted: “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!”
GNS Science duty siesmologist Lara Bland warned local residents to expect aftershocks.
Bland said longer, rolling quakes tend to produce fewer aftershocks but there would “certainly” be some coming.
It is one of the largest earthquakes in New Zealand since a Magnitude 7.8 tremor struck near Kaikoura in November 2016, which killed two people.
