5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Near Wellington In New Zealand

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 33 km near New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington on Saturday. No casualties have been reported so far.

In a social media post on X, New Zealand’s government seismic monitor, GeoNet, said the earthquake was centered 25 km west of Wellington and was felt by 37,000 people.

GeoNet also said that shaking could be felt as far south as Christchurch and as far north as Auckland.

“An early morning shake today (6 Oct) at 5.08am in the Cook Strait with a M5.7 quake with strong shaking. It was about 33 km depth and was widely felt in the Wellington region and north of the South Island. We have received over 36,000 .reports,” the post shared on X said.

GeoNet further issued an advisory, reminding 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,” it stated.

A user on X shared how she was awakened by the strong tremor, which occurred early at 5:08 AM New Zealand time.

“I hate living in New Zealand because what do you mean I just woke up to a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that moved my bed out from the wall and threw things off of my shelves?????,” the user wrote.

Another user commented: “I’ve had better ways to be woken up on a Sunday morning. #eqnz Strong earthquake occurred 25 km west of Wellington.”

(This is a breaking news. More details will be added.)