4.8 Magnitude Quake Shakes New Zealand’s Lower North Island

A car sinks into a hole caused by an earthquake in the southern New Zealand city of Christchurch June 13, 2011. Reuters/Tim Keller

An earthquake measuring 4.8 magnitude struck New Zealand's lower North Island on Thursday.

Its epicentre was located 40km south-west of Whanganui at a depth of 40km, but its intensity was felt as far south as Kaikorua and well into Taranaki. Far north Taumarunui likewise felt it, Radio New Zealand said.

The afternoon temblor that occurred shortly before 4 pm followed a magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck at 7.48 am earlier. It has a depth of 32 km, 10 km east of Eketahuna. Over 1,500 people reported feeling the quake.

"It was very scary but there was no damage anywhere," Kerry Brewer from the Eketahuna Four Square told Radio NZ.

Kiwis immediately took to Twitter to post their fears and reactions.

"Quake season is back," Monica Moraes said. "Everyday or so we feel a little rattle here in Welly. Go away!"