After Hurricane Gabriel, New Zealand experienced a strong earthquake
WELLINGTON, New Zealand: A powerful earthquake struck New Zealand’s capital Wellington on Wednesday, causing sudden tremors and shaking of buildings, residents reported.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale and was centered in the Cook Strait between the country’s two main islands.
“There’s a big shake! 6.0, 57km depth, 50km northwest of Paraparaumu felt widely across the North Island,” New Zealand’s Civil Defense agency said.
There were no immediate reports of damage and no tsunami warning was issued.
But residents said the ground shook for 10-20 seconds, which they compared to a convoy of giant trucks.
The quake came as clean-up operations were underway from the devastating cyclone, which killed four people and caused widespread damage across the North Island.
“This is already a very stressful time for people – take care of yourself and the people around you,” the Civil Protection Agency said.
