“A severe earthquake centred on the East Cape has shaken the North Island of New Zealand on Friday morning, triggering low level tsunami activity and sending coastal residents fleeing for higher ground.
“The quake was 7.1 in magnitude and hit 130 kilometres north-east of Te Araroa at a depth of 55 kilometres at 4.37am (2.37am AEST).
“It was felt from Northland to Wellington on the North Island, and on the top of the South Island. Severe reports were felt in Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty, and led to some residents piling into their cars and moving uphill in its wake.
“GNS Science seismologist Caroline Holden said there were a flurry of aftershocks, including one measuring 6.2 at 5.14am local time (3.14am AEST). By 7.10am (5.10am), there had been 57 aftershocks.”
Read more at SMH
