NEW Zealand was rocked by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake today as the nation reels from a devastating cyclone.
The quake was centred around the capital of Wellington on the north island shortly after 7.30pm local time.
GeoNetThe earthquake hit on Wednesday evening[/caption]
It struck at a depth of 48km with the epicentre 50km from the town of Paraparaumu, government seismic monitor Geonet said.
It classed the quake as “strong” after it struck the islands with a jolt – followed by 30 seconds of moderate shaking.
New Zealand’s Civil Defence agency said: “A big shake there!”
There were no immediate reports of damage, and no tsunami warning has been issued.
Residents reported feeling the ground shaking for 10 to 20 seconds – comparing it to a convoy of giant trucks rolling by.
Other Kiwis described the quake as “massive” and “scary”.
It comes a day after New Zealand declared a national state of emergency due to widespread flooding and damage from Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.
The cyclone caused catastrophic damage across the North Island this week leaving at least four people dead, and more than 10,000 people displaced.
New Zealand lies on the seismically active “Ring of Fire” – a huge arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.
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