Wellington (October 30, 2018): An earthquake has struck New Zealand’s North Island during the visit of the British Royal couple.
The magnitude of the quake, according to the USGS, was reported to be 6.2 on the Richter scale.
Residents across the capital Wellington and in the city of New Plymouth were rattled by the 227km-deep tremor.
According to Radio NZ, the shocks were felt by more than 10,000 people. Its epicentre was at a depth of 193 kilometres, and range 20-25 kilometres south-west of Taumarunui and Wellington.
The quake struck during the Pacific tour by Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who are in New Zealand for the tour’s final leg.
The royal couple, who have already visited Australia, Fiji, and Tonga, were received at Wellington airport by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Moreover, New Zealand’s Parliament, sitting at the time, was suspended after the prolonged rumble to allow for the precinct’s buildings to be checked.
Tens of thousands of people across the centre of the country have reported feeling the shaking.
According to civil defence, there had been no reports of damage and there is no tsunami risk.
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