Strong quake hits Milford Sound
Monday, 12 August 2019
A magnitude 5.5 quake hit near Milford Sound, causing 'strong' shaking, according to GeoNet.
Nearly 7000 people felt the earthquake at 10.35pm, which was 15km north of Milford Sound, and 12km deep. It was originally reported as magnitude 6.2 quake but GeoNet revised that down at 11.10pm.
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It comes hours after a magnitude 5.2 quake hit near Motueka, which was felt by people throughout central New Zealand.
Felt reports for the Milford Sound quake were recorded up the South Island's west and east coasts, as well as a few on the North Island.
GeoNet said it had 'located more than 10 aftershocks and this is normal following an event of this size'.
It said in a statement: 'The event was originally posted at a M6.2, but following analysis by our team this was reviewed to a M5.5.' More information would be released on Tuesday morning, GeoNet said.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management said there was no tsunami threat at this stage but it was reminding people of drop, cover and hold in case there are any strong aftershocks.
Arun Arna, night porter at Kingsgate Hotel, said he'd never before felt a quake that strong during his three years living in Te Anau. 'It's not fun. It's very scary,' he said.
He said it happened suddenly and a few guests ran to the reception area.
Stuff reader Rex Mantal Rosima commented on Facebook that his family were in Te Anau for a cruise in Milford Sound. 'We woke up because of the shake. It's strong and long here,' he said. Nina Mikulek posted that 'Te Anau was shaking like crazy!'
Southland councillor Brian Dillon, who lives in Riversdale, was sitting on the couch reading some papers when the quake struck.
'Next thing it just started to move rolling backwards and forwards.'It felt quite strong, just a slow rolling motion and went for about 20 seconds,' he said.
Dillon, whose home was built five years ago, said his house was fine and he had not been notified of any damage elsewhere.
Emergency Management Southland said it was not aware of any damage, although the fire service had been 'activated' and was investigating. Fire Emergency New Zealand said it had not received any callouts.
The quake was felt across the lower South Island and beyond. In Invercargill the quake was more of a swaying motion that lasted about 15 to 20 seconds, Deepthy Joseph said. 'Felt slightly light-headed lying on lounge couch.'
Terry Walsh reported feeling the shaking for an 'easy minute' in Arrowtown, while in Queenstown Alana Terrinal said it felt like 'two good-sized waves, biggest I have felt in a long time in Queenstown'. Natalie Urbani, also in Queenstown, described 'first a quick jolt and then a long swaying shake' in a post online.
Chris Baker said his 'whole house' in Wanaka shook for 20 to 30 seconds.
Siobhain Murphy's husband was at the Haast Hotel with a tour party that were stuck due to a large rock fall on Monday. The shaking was bad enough to send them all running outside, she said.
In Waikaka, Southland, a 'jolly good rocking' carried on for about 50 seconds, according to Lou Meehan.
Bannockburn in Central Otago felt a 'significant' shake. Joanne Smith said on Facebook that in Mosgiel her lights were swaying - 'not a good feeling'.
Craig Pitt in Gore said the shaking carried on for about 15 seconds. While there was no damage 'furniture moved up to an inch from side to side as I was sitting at my desk'.