Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes near Seddon

Earthquake recorded on Tuesday 1 October. Photo: Screenshot / GeoNet

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has struck 25 kilometres north-east of Seddon.

More than 11,000 people have reported feeling the earthquake, which hit around 5.49pm on Tuesday.

It had a depth of 12 kilometres, and the shaking was "moderate", according to GeoNet.

It was likely felt at the top of the South Island, and as far north as the Tararua District.

An RNZ reporter in Wellington said the jolt was a quick and sudden fright, which had produced loud shaking sounds from the house and strong side to side movement, but was over very fast.

Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said it gave the cupboards a good rattle.

"Probably quite a timely reminder to us all to stop, drop cover and hold if an earthquake comes through, we haven't had one through Blenheim for a wee while, so always good to have a reminder."

She had not heard any reports of damage.

A M4.9 earthquake occurred in the Cook Strait 5:49PM this evening. Moderate shaking was felt across the Wellington and Marlborough regions and we have received 10,000+ felt reports. For more detail, see https://t.co/fPsb7Yjwsu pic.twitter.com/7SjgRSOjPK

The last time the region was badly hit was during the Kaikōura earthquake in 2016, which devastated homes in Seddon and Ward.

"We're not unfamiliar with earthquakes," she said. "This one wasn't big, it was just a nice little roll."

Wellington resident Lesleigh Salinger said she felt it in her Karori apartment.

"I react in dread, waiting for it to get bigger and go on longer, but it didn't last too long. But it was a noticeable shake."

Her first response was to check GeoNet, she said.

As she grew older, she was becoming more nervous about earthquakes, she said - particularly when she was alone.

"I think I've got a vivid imagination," she said, laughing. "I've got a colleague and friend, and she's a geogapher [...] and they don't worry her at all, but oh God, they certainly do me."

She said she kept an earthquake kit in her car, including a sleeping bag, first aid kit, warm clothes and sensible shoes.

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