Moderate 4.5 magnitude earthquake strikes near Blenheim

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck near Blenheim at 7.24pm or 7.34pm on Monday. GeoNet reported the quake occurred 20km southwest or south of the town at a depth of 31km. The shaking was described as moderate and was felt across the top of the South Island, across the strait, and in parts of the lower North Island. More than 1900 people submitted reports, with most describing the shaking as weak or light.

Earlier that afternoon, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake occurred 30km south of Whanganui. The quake hit at 3.33pm at a depth of either 10km or 12km. GeoNet classed the shaking as light, though some residents reported stronger tremors.

Within five minutes of the Whanganui earthquake, more than 750 people reported feeling the movement. Specifically, 853 people submitted reports to GeoNet, including one person who described the shaking as severe. Residents compared the rumbling to a passing heavy truck.

One local resident described the experience on Facebook, stating, “Heard it coming, thought it was the wind then bang!”.

Where reports differ

• Reports disagree on the depth of the Whanganui earthquake, citing either 10km or 12km.
• The timing of the Blenheim earthquake is reported as 7.24pm in one source and 7.34pm in another.
• The location of the Blenheim epicentre is listed as 20km southwest or 20km south of the town.

Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald and Stuff.