Magnitude 5.8 earthquakes in central New Zealand cause tremors in North and South Islands
- The 5.8 magnitude earthquake is the strongest to hit New Zealand this year
- Was centered near the Marlborough Sounds between the North and South Islands
- There were no immediate reports of serious damage after the earthquake
New Zealand was rocked by its largest earthquake this year, a magnitude 5.8 tremor that struck near the heart of the country.
The powerful earthquake was concentrated just off the Marlborough Sounds between the North and South Islands and startled Kiwis at 9.07pm on Thursday.
There were no immediate reports of serious damage.
More than 44,000 Kiwis reported the quake to monitoring agency GeoNet, while others took to social media to share their experiences.
“I’m on the 3rd floor in Wgtn (Wellington) City at a class reunion. We’re freaking out,” wrote Twitter user Sally-ann.
“I almost jumped under the small coffee table for this,” said another.
‘Jesus! A painting torn from the wall,” Pearl wrote.
Jeff Tollan described his experience at a rooftop bar in Wellington.
“Drag bingo at Dirty Little Secret when an earthquake hits. The host asks, “Do you want us to stop,” he tweeted.
‘Everyone says ‘no’ and life goes on…’
The depth was measured at 51 km below sea level.
‘You could have felt that shaking!’ Twitter account posted by GeoNet.
Caused by an M5.8 earthquake in the Marlborough area. It was moderately deep and felt over a wide area – typical for earthquakes of this size and depth.”
According to GeoNet reports, Kiwis felt the quake most severely in the capital, on the North Island’s Kapiti Coast and along the tip of the South Island.
