ROTORUA, Jan 25 (NNN-AGENCIES) – New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission and Geological Survey (GeoNet), reported a magnitude 5.1quake in New Zealand near Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, only minutes ago.
The quake hit at 8:12 am local time this morning, at a very shallow depth of five km. The exact magnitude, epicentre, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours, as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their report.
Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicentre. It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc.
In Kawerau (pop. 6,700) located 18 km from the epicentre, Rotorua (pop. 65,900) 22 km away, Edgecumbe (pop. 1,600) 32 km away, and Maketu (pop. 1,100) 35 km away, the quake should have been felt as light shaking.
Weak shaking might have been felt in Whakatane located 45 km from the epicentre, Tauranga, 53 km away, and Taupo, 76 km away.
VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update magnitude and depth, if these change, and follow up if other significant news about the quake become available.
