Aug 25 2010 - Sharp earthquake rocks Whanganui
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck at 10:17 this morning, 20 km south-west of the city of Whanganui.
The earthquake, about 30 km deep, has been felt throughout the south-western North Island, but its effects have been strongest in the city of Whanganui itself. It is expected that there will have been minor damage due to articles falling from shelves in some houses - we have 3 reports to date.
The earthquake had a normal faulting mechanism, typical of earthquakes in this region. There are not expected to be many aftershocks - these are likely to be less than magnitude 4. A similar earthquake occurred on Friday, February 18 2005 at 10:31 am. It was of magnitude 5.2, also at a depth of 30 km.
