M6.1 earthquake strikes off New Zealand 

Wellington: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck New Zealand near Wellington on Wednesday at a depth of 48km, said government seismic monitor Geonet. 

The earthquake’s epicentre was 50km from the town of Paraparaumu, according to Geonet.

New Zealand lies on the seismically active “Ring of Fire”, a 40,000km arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.

This comes after Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage across the North Island this week, leaving four people dead, more than 10,000 people displaced and widespread damage. 

SOURCE: REUTERS