Large quake hits NZ
An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale that struck under the South Pacific Ocean last night was widely felt in the North Island and as far south as Christchurch.
The quake – which struck at 10.39pm – was centred 290km southwest of Raoul Island and at a depth of 150km.
The quake was also felt in Wellington.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said no tsunami threat existed based on historical earthquake and tsunami data.
Professor of geophysics at Victoria University Euan Smith told National Radio the size of the earthquake could have generated a tsunami if it had been shallower.
“It was located in old Pacific sea floor, which is sinking back into the earth.
“An earthquake like this one, if it was shallower, would move the earth’s surface and would displace water and produce a tsunami.”
Prof Smith said this quake was “about a sixth of the size” of the recent Tongan quake, which triggered tsunami warnings for New Zealand and the South Pacific.
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