Key Takeaways
- A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck the lower North Island, waking up many residents in the area
- Over 2180 people reported feeling the tremor, with some saying they were jolted awake
- The earthquake was centered in Pongaroa, with no reports of damage or injury
- Experts advise staying in bed during an earthquake, as getting up and moving around can increase the risk of injury
- The recommended safety protocol during an earthquake is to "drop, cover, and hold", or "stay, cover, and hold" if in bed
Introduction to the Earthquake
More than 2180 people have reported feeling the recent earthquake that struck the lower North Island, with many saying they were jolted awake by the tremor. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 4.8, was centered in Pongaroa, and was felt by residents in the surrounding areas, including Palmerston North. Many people took to social media to share their experiences, with some saying they were woken up by the quake and were too tired to react. Others, who were closer to the epicentre, reported feeling the quake but said there was no damage.
Reactions and Responses
The earthquake came as a surprise to many, especially since it occurred just a few weeks after another 4.8-magnitude jolt was felt in the area. Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui took to social media to jokingly comment on the quake, saying "Alright, which one of you rolled out of bed after eating three different Christmas meals yesterday?" However, they also reminded residents of the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake. They advised people to "drop, cover, and hold" when the ground starts shaking, which is the recommended safety protocol during an earthquake.
Earthquake Safety Advice
According to Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management director Shane Briggs, staying in bed during an earthquake that wakes you has been the official advice for some time. Briggs said that people are far more likely to be injured if they get up and move around during an earthquake, and that research using ACC injury data from the 2016 Kaikōura–Hurunui earthquake supports this. He advised that the best way to stay safe in earthquakes in New Zealand is to "drop, cover, and hold", and if you’re in bed, to "stay, cover, and hold". Briggs also emphasized that moving towards a doorway is no longer recommended, as doors can swing violently and strike people or trap fingers.
Understanding Earthquake Safety Protocols
Briggs explained that the advice to stay in bed during an earthquake is the same regardless of building type, and that modern buildings are designed differently than they were in the past. In the past, door frames were often the strongest part of a structure, but this is no longer the case. He also advised that once the shaking stops, people should get up if it was long and strong and they were in the blue tsunami evacuation zone. This is an important reminder of the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake or tsunami.
Recent Earthquake Activity
The recent earthquake is not an isolated incident, as there have been several earthquakes in the area in recent months. In August, a 4.9 earthquake struck nearby, about 20km south of Hastings, causing moderate shaking. There were also four aftershocks in quick succession on December 4, including one light, two weak, and then another moderate quake of 4.4-magnitude at 12.17pm, as reported by GeoNet. These earthquakes are a reminder of the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent earthquake that struck the lower North Island is a reminder of the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of an earthquake. The recommended safety protocol during an earthquake is to "drop, cover, and hold", or "stay, cover, and hold" if in bed. It is also important to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest earthquake safety advice and to be aware of the risks and hazards associated with earthquakes. By being prepared and knowing what to do, we can reduce the risk of injury and stay safe during an earthquake.