Earthquake hits off New Zealand North Island

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

Great Earthquakes In Diverse Places

Earthquake hits off New Zealand North Island

November 6, 2010 - 10:04AM

NZPA

An earthquake measuring magnitude 4.3 on the Richter Scale has struck near Wanganui on the North Island.

The quake hit at 9.39am and was located 60km southwest of Wanganui, at a depth of 90km, GNS Science said.

The quake was felt in Wanganui, Manawatu and on the Kapiti Coast.

Meanwhile, Christchurch residents continue to be hit by aftershocks and there is no respite in sight.

GNS Science duty officer Tony Hurst told NZPA 11 quakes hit the city overnight, ranging from magnitude 2.5 to 4.3 on the Richter Scale.

All were considered aftershocks to the magnitude 7.1 quake that hit the city on September 4, causing widespread damage.

Thousands of aftershocks had rattled the area since, and many more were expected.

"It will take years before the level of activity in Christchurch is as low as it was," Mr Hurst said.

That was because the city's previously low level of seismic activity meant even small quakes were noticed, he said.