Strong Earthquake Hits New Zealand’s North Island

Key Takeaways

• A recent earthquake occurred in New Zealand, with various descriptions of its intensity and effects from social media users.
• The earthquake lasted roughly 20 seconds and was felt in different parts of the country, including Wellington and New Plymouth.
• Experts advise people to stay in bed and cover their heads if woken up by an earthquake, rather than getting up and moving around.
• The recommended safety protocol during an earthquake is to "drop, cover, and hold," which becomes "stay, cover, and hold" if already in bed.
• It is essential to be prepared and know what to do in case of an earthquake, including checking if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone after the shaking stops.

Introduction to the Earthquake
A recent earthquake struck New Zealand, causing a range of reactions from people in different parts of the country. Some described it as a "decent little shake" or a "nice sharp shake," while others experienced a "huge wobble" or heard a loud noise before feeling the tremor. The earthquake lasted approximately 20 seconds and was felt in various locations, including Wellington and New Plymouth. The descriptions of the earthquake varied, with some people comparing it to a big truck passing by, while others thought it might have been vertigo.

Reactions to the Earthquake
The earthquake came two weeks after another tremor hit the lower North Island on Boxing Day, near Pongaroa. The strong 4.7 magnitude earthquake was measured at 17km deep and was initially described as moderate, but was later revised to strong. The quake was widely felt from Wellington to Whanganui, prompting Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui to jokingly post on social media, "Alright, which one of you rolled out of bed after eating three different Christmas meals yesterday?" The organization also reminded people of the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do during an earthquake, saying "Quakes like this one are always a good reminder to Drop, Cover and Hold when the ground starts shaking."

Safety Advice During an Earthquake
Hawke’s Bay Emergency Management director Shane Briggs emphasized the importance of staying safe during an earthquake. He advised that if people are woken up by a quake, they should stay in bed and cover their heads, rather than getting up and moving around. Briggs explained that research has shown that people are more likely to be injured if they get up and move around during an earthquake. He recommended that the best way to stay safe in earthquakes in New Zealand is to "drop, cover, and hold," which becomes "stay, cover, and hold" if already in bed. This advice applies regardless of the type of building, and moving towards a doorway is no longer recommended due to the risk of injury from violently swinging doors.

Preparation and Response
Briggs also emphasized the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do in case of an earthquake. Once the shaking stops, people should get up if the earthquake was long and strong and they are in the blue tsunami evacuation zone. It is essential to be aware of the surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. By knowing what to do during an earthquake and being prepared, people can reduce the risk of injury and stay safe. The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and taking the necessary precautions to ensure safety in the event of an earthquake.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent earthquake in New Zealand highlights the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do during an earthquake. The varying descriptions of the earthquake’s intensity and effects from social media users demonstrate the need for clear and concise safety advice. By following the recommended safety protocol of "drop, cover, and hold" and being aware of the surroundings, people can reduce the risk of injury and stay safe. It is essential to stay informed and be prepared for any future earthquakes, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety in the event of an earthquake.