A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Geraldine in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island on Thursday, government seismic monitor Geonet said, but initial reports indicate no injuries or significant damage.
The earthquake, the largest in the country this year, hit at 9:14 am (2114 GMT) Wednesday at a focal depth of 11 km. GeoNet said more than 14,000 people had reported feeling the shake, some as far north as Auckland in the North Island.
Sarah Hussey, a farmer close to the epicentre, said the quake had been stronger than others she remembered.
"There's no damage here, but I thought it was thunder for a start. The house lifted up for a bit," she told TVNZ's 1News.
Scott Shannon, deputy mayor of Timaru near the centre of the earthquake, told Radio NZ there had been no immediate reports of damage but checks were ongoing.
The quake struck not far from where a 6.3 magnitude quake hit in 2011, killing 185 people and causing major damage in the South Island city of Christchurch.
US military marks 11th successive night of attacks on Iran
Under soaring pressure, India's education minister promises reforms and debate
Rubio says US still willing to negotiate over Iran crisis
Trump says US airlines can now fly to Lebanon for first time since 1985
