6.5 magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand's North Island
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Xinhua, July 5, 2011
A 6.5 magnitude earthquake rocked New Zealand's North Island on Tuesday afternoon.
The quake, occurred at 3.36 p.m. (03:36 GMT), was centered 30 km west of Taupo. It was at a depth of 150 km, said New Zealand Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS Science).
It was widely felt in Wellington, Palmerston North, Napier, Blenhem and Christchurch. Xinhua reporters in Wellington strongly felt the jolt which lasted about 10 seconds.
GNS Science data centre spokeswoman Jennifer Coppola said the quake was the largest to strike near Taupo for a decade, the New Zealand Herald reported.
However, earthquakes in the area were common and this was not a sign of increased volcanic activity around Lake Taupo, she said.
The depth of the earthquake meant it was felt over a wider area than a shallow quake like the 6.3 magnitude Feb. 22 aftershock in Christchurch, Coppola said.
The Taupo District Council said it has no reports of damage.
Wellington City Council said there were no immediate reports of damage and Civil Defence had also not received any reports of significant damage.
But the U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was measured at 5. 3 on the Richter scale and at a depth of 161 km.
