A powerful 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island early Friday morning, rattling cities across the region and sending residents scrambling for safety.
The quake, which struck at approximately 3:42 AM local time, was centered about 120 kilometers northeast of Gisborne at a depth of 33 kilometers, according to New Zealand’s GeoNet agency.
Despite the earthquake’s strength, preliminary reports indicate minimal structural damage and no fatalities.
Emergency services quickly mobilized to assess critical infrastructure, check on isolated communities, and ensure hospitals and power stations were operating normally.
In several coastal towns, residents evacuated to higher ground amid brief tsunami concerns, but authorities later confirmed that no tsunami threat existed.
The tremor was felt as far south as Wellington and even reached parts of the South Island, shaking homes and waking thousands of residents.
In Auckland, high-rise buildings swayed for several seconds, though no major incidents were reported.
Public transport was briefly halted for safety inspections, and several schools delayed opening to allow for structural evaluations.
New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone where tectonic plates frequently collide.
Earthquakes are common in the country, but this one ranks among the strongest in the past two years.
The memory of past destructive quakes, such as the 2011 Christchurch disaster, triggered heightened anxiety among citizens, even though the damage this time appears limited.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins addressed the nation later in the morning, reassuring the public that all emergency protocols functioned as planned. “New Zealanders know how to respond,” he said.
“We prepare for moments like this, and I am proud of the calm and coordination shown by our emergency services and communities.”
GeoNet officials warned that aftershocks are likely over the coming days, some potentially strong, and urged residents to remain vigilant, check emergency kits, and secure heavy furniture.
Civil defense agencies also reminded the public of the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” protocol in the event of additional tremors.
While the earthquake served as a reminder of New Zealand’s geological vulnerability, the nation’s robust emergency response and earthquake-resistant infrastructure helped prevent what could have been a much more tragic outcome.