Wellington in New Zealand hit by 6.5 magnitude quake

New Zealand was struck by a series of earthquakes; the strongest measured 6.5 in magnitude.

08:16 23 July 2013

Wellington, New Zealand was hit by series of earthquakes. The strongest one measured 6.5 in magnitude. The earthquakes, which occurred on Sunday, broke water mains, smashed windows, and downed power lines.

However, the government did not issue a tsunami alert and there was no reported substantial damage.

There have been no reports of injury, as of time of writing, although minor structural damage had left parts of the city without power.

Meanwhile, Tony Vale, news editor at Radio New Zealand, said that people did not seem to be too concerned. He adds that the entertainment district was “going at full bore even now; restaurants and bars are full”, as quoted in one report by the BBC.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is situated on the North Island.
New Zealand is in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is made up of the North and South Islands.