Massive Earthquakes Strike New Zealand
Three quakes hit region, including one of the strongest ever recorded
Over 4,600 people report feeling sharp jolt
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A series of three earthquakes, including one of the strongest ever recorded in the region, struck off the coast of New Zealand's Bay of Plenty on Tuesday evening.
The largest quake, with a magnitude of 7.1, occurred at 9:51 p.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was centered about 56 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Whakatane and was followed by two smaller quakes with magnitudes of 5.6 and 5.1.
More than 4,600 people reported feeling the sharp jolt of the largest quake, according to GeoNet, New Zealand's geological hazard monitoring agency. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
The quake was the strongest to hit the region since a magnitude-6.5 quake in 2016. It is also one of the strongest quakes to hit New Zealand in recent years.
New Zealand is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country experiences an average of about 20 earthquakes a day, most of them too small to be felt.
The last major earthquake to hit New Zealand was a magnitude-7.8 quake in 2016 that caused widespread damage in the South Island city of Christchurch.
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