Magnitude 6.1 earthquake hits New Zealand

A  magnitude 6.1 earthquake has struck New Zealand near Wellington.

The Wednesday quake was confirmed by the New Zealand government seismic monitor, Geonet.

"A M6.1 earthquake caused a long and strong shake felt widely across the North Island and Marlborough region," Geonet said on its official Twitter account.

The earthquake struck at a depth of 48 km (30 miles), with its epicenter being 50 km northwest of Paraparaumu.

Geonet cautioned residents to "drop, cover hold" in the event of aftershocks.

"We received over 61k felt reports. No Tsunami is expected," it added.

There have been tremors with magnitudes ranging from 2.1 to 5.2, near Hastings, Te Aroha ,Taumarunui, Porangahau and Te Kaha.

There were no reports of damage or injury by the time of press.

The tremors come after Cyclone Gabrielle left four, including a child, dead.

According to BBC, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Wednesday evening said there were also "several people missing for whom the police do hold grave concerns."

Gabrielle has caused significant flooding and landslides across the North Island.

A M6.1 earthquake caused a long and strong shake felt widely across the North Island and Marlborough region. We received over 61k felt reports.

No tsunami is expected.

Remember, drop, cover hold in the event of aftershocks.

It’s a difficult time for the N. Island. Kia kaha ♥ pic.twitter.com/jVpXdaffjk

— GeoNet (@geonet) February 15, 2023