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WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A powerful but deep earthquake hit New Zealand's North Island on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the suspension of Parliament for a short time as a precautionary measure.
No immediate cases of major damage or injury have been reported.
The magnitude 6.1 earthquake was centered about 77 kilometers east of the city of New Plymouth. It was at a depth of 227 kilometers (141 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. The deeper earthquakes are generally less damaging.
Thousands of people across the country have felt the earthquake, some as far away as the South Island.
The earthquake did not disrupt an event in Auckland attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were visiting the headquarters of the charity Pillars, which is dedicated to helping the children of prisoners through mentoring and home support programs.
Those present stated that they felt the earthquake.
In the capital, Wellington, the legislators left the room for 30 minutes. When Parliament resumed, the Minister of Civil Defense, Kris Faafoi, told the legislators that no damage had been reported.
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