Major aftershock of 6.2 on Richter Scale following this morning's 7.1 magnitude earthquake felt across much of South Island
22 August 2003
There has been a major aftershock following this morning's large earthquake felt across much of the South Island. The 6.2 magnitude aftershock hit at 2:12am, exactly two hours after the first one, which measured 7.1 on the Richter Scale.
The first quake was located 70 kilometres north-west of Te Anau, and the aftershock was centred 70 kilometres west of Te Anau at a depth of 20 kilometres.
The Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences says it was the strongest of many aftershocks to the first earthquake. Seismologists warn these may continue for several days.
Civil Defence is waiting for first light to get a full picture of the impact of the quakes. At the moment there are no reports of injury or property damage. However Southland Civil Defence says electricity has been cut at Tuatapere, while there has been a partial power cut in Waikaia. Civil Defence Officer Tom Shaw has spoken to sector managers throughout the Southland and Fiordland region, and they report no significant concerns.
Otago and Southland residents say the initial earthquake seemed to last for about two minutes. One of those jolted awake was reporter Diane Brown, who says at about 12 minutes past midnight she was woken by a long rattling sound. She says that was followed by a very strong rocking motion.
Senior Sergeant Ian Freeman of the Police Southern Communication Centre says most of the 115 calls they received immediately after the earthquake came from Southland, particularly Invercargill.
