Significant 5.6-Magnitude Quake Strikes Near New Plymouth

A cluster of shallow earthquakes, with magnitudes from about 5.6 to 5.9 at roughly 10 km depth, rattled New Zealand’s North Island and Taranaki region, causing light to moderate shaking in towns such as New Plymouth, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Palmerston North. Authorities say New Zealand remains seismically active on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with no major damage or injuries reported so far and ongoing emphasis on preparedness.