Earthquake

2024 - 10 - 6

Kia Kaha, Kiwis: Did You Feel That? The Unforgettable Shake of Wellington!

Cook Strait - Earthquake - Earthquake preparedness - Magnitude 5.7 - NEMA - New Zealand - Seismic safety - Shake Out drill - Wellington - earthquake nz - earthquake wellington - wellington earthquake

A shocking morning wake-up call as a 5.7 magnitude earthquake rattled Wellington! Find out more about the quake and how Kiwis are preparing for future shakes!

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near Wellington, sending tremors throughout central New Zealand. The quake hit at 5:08 am, with its epicenter located approximately 25km west of the capital, Wellington, at a depth of 30km. Tens of thousands of Kiwis were jolted awake to feel the ground shake, and social media was abuzz with reports of everything from rumbling houses to startled pets. Thankfully, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but it did serve as a stark reminder of New Zealand's seismic nature.

The New Zealand government’s seismic monitor, GeoNet, was quick to inform the public through social media, stating: "An early morning shake today at 5.08am in the Cook Strait with a M5.7 quake." This prompted Kiwis to reach for their phones—some to calm their quivering hearts, others to check for damage. Even in such a scary moment, social media proved to be a lifeline for people sharing their experiences and reactions, showing that sometimes, sharing a laugh amidst the chaos is the best way to cope.

This earthquake serves as a critical reminder of the importance of preparedness in a nation that sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity keeps everyone on their toes. Many schools, including Napier’s Ahuriri School, frequently participate in nationwide earthquake drills like the 'Shake Out,' which are essential in teaching kids how to react during such situations. It's always a good time to reevaluate your earthquake emergency kit and ensure your family knows what to do when the earth starts to tremble.

In a curious twist, while Kiwis might have been shaken awake, the Cook Strait areas have historically experienced some of the strongest quakes in the country. Did you know that according to GeoNet, New Zealand experiences approximately 14,000 earthquakes a year? Although most are too small to be felt, the ones we do feel are heart-pounding reminders of living on a fault line. And for those waddling to work after an early morning shake, fret not! Earthquake 'dodging' is an Olympic-level sport in New Zealand, so keep your eyes peeled for any fallen coffee cups on the way to the office!