Magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes 25km east of New Plymouth
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake occurred 25km east of New Plymouth, New Zealand, early this morning, waking thousands of residents. While the shaking was described as moderate to strong, emergency services reported no major incidents or callouts.
Why it matters
This report provides a secondary confirmation of the seismic event, highlighting the community's experience and the lack of structural damage.
A magnitude 5.3 earthquake has struck the North Island this morning, waking thousands of New Zealanders.
GeoNet reported the quake, which struck at 2.57am, was 25 kilometres east of New Plymouth and at a depth of 11km.
More than 7000 people reported feeling the quake, with about 4000 feeling moderate to strong shaking.
Fire and Emergency said it had not received any callouts relating to the tremor.
RNZ listeners have described how it felt at their homes in various parts of the country.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
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