A strong but deep earthquake struck New Zealand’s North Island on Tuesday afternoon, causing Parliament to be briefly suspended as a precaution.
There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.
The magnitude 6.1 quake was centred about 48 miles east of the town of New Plymouth.
It was at a depth of 141 miles, according to the US Geological Survey. Deeper quakes are typically less damaging.
Thousands of people across the country felt the quake, some as far away as the South Island.
QUAKE: Mag 5.7, Tue, Oct 30 2018, 03:13:46 PM, 20 km south-west of Taumarunui. Depth: 165 km #eqnz https://t.co/9R6aaQxT7C
— NZ Earthquake Bot (@nz_quake) October 30, 2018
It did not disrupt an event in Auckland attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan were visiting the head office of the charity Pillars, which is dedicated to supporting the children of prisoners through mentoring schemes and in-home support.
In the capital Wellington, politicians left the debating chamber for 30 minutes.
When Parliament resumed, Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi told politicians there had been no reports of damage.
