Thousands of people have reported feeling shaking from an earthquake near Wellington early this morning.
The magnitude 5.7 earthquake at about 5.08am was 25km west of Wellington at a depth of about 30km, GeoNet said.
By 6.10am, more than 37,000 people had reported feeling the earthquake on GeoNet’s website.
The shaking was “strong”, GeoNet said, adding on X: “Another reminder that earthquakes can occur anywhere in New Zealand at any time.
“In the event of a large earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold.
“If you are in bed, Stay, Cover and Hold.
“If an earthquake is Long or Strong: Get Gone.”
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) and police both confirmed to 1News that they hadn’t received any earthquake-related call-outs.
No tsunami threat
In a statement, Wellington Region Emergency Management (WREMA) said NEMA has advised there is no tsunami threat.
“Councils, emergency services and utilities are conducting checks,” the statement said. “As daylight comes teams will have a better idea of any further impacts.”
Rail lines in the area will be shut for inspections “as per their normal process”, the statement said, urging people to check Metlink for the latest updates.
The Metlink website showed widespread cancellations this morning.
If you are safe and have video of the earthquake, please send it to: [email protected]
There were no apparent impacts on state highways, no reported power outages and no reported water outages.
The airport has been inspected and no apparent impacts were found, the statement added.
“We encourage people to check their properties and report any issues to their landlord or local council,” WREMO Regional Manager Jeremy Holmes said.
“This morning’s earthquake was a decent shake and there could be minor damage as a result.”
