Major Earthquake Shakes New Zealand's Central North Island
February 15, 2023
Updated a year ago
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck New Zealand's central North Island on February 14, 2023, at 11:20 PM PST. The earthquake was one of the largest to hit the country in recent years and was felt by thousands of people across the region.
The quake struck in a seismically quiet area near faults that have been known to produce large earthquakes in the past. The earthquake was caused by the movement of the Australian and Pacific plates along the Hikurangi subduction zone.
The earthquake caused widespread shaking and damage in the central North Island. Several buildings were damaged, including the historic St. Paul's Cathedral in Wellington. Power lines were also damaged, leaving thousands of people without electricity. There were no reports of any fatalities or serious injuries.
The earthquake was a reminder of the seismic hazard that New Zealand faces. The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone. Residents of New Zealand should be prepared for the possibility of future earthquakes.
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