4.9 Quake Hits New Zealand’s North Island
Moderate tremor hits Hawkes Bay, no damage reported.
A 4.9 magnitude earthquake jolted New Zealand’s lower North Island on Wednesday evening, centered 20 km south of Hastings in the seismically active Hawkes Bay region. The quake, occurring at a depth of 30 km just before 6 pm local time, was classified as moderate by GeoNet, New Zealand’s geological sciences agency. Nearly 6,000 residents reported feeling the tremor via GeoNet’s website, with sensations ranging from mild shaking to noticeable jolts across the region.
No immediate damage or injuries were reported, though authorities are monitoring for potential aftershocks. Hawkes Bay, a hotspot for seismic activity, was devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 1931, which claimed 256 lives and reshaped the region’s landscape. New Zealand, with a population of 5 million, lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a volatile arc prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity, making such events a recurring concern.
GeoNet continues to analyze data to assess the quake’s impact, urging residents to stay vigilant. The event has sparked renewed discussions about preparedness in this earthquake-prone nation, with local officials emphasizing the importance of emergency plans and structural resilience in vulnerable areas like Hawkes Bay.
Also Read: 6.1 Quake Devastates Turkey’s Balikesir
