Insurers are braced for action after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Te Araroa in the East Cape area at around 7:37pm on Monday.
More than 7,000 individuals have reported feeling the 33-kilometre deep quake, which was registered as “moderate” by GeoNet, with the epicentre located 120km northeast of Te Araroa.
According to GeoNet, it is likely an aftershock of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake on March 05, which raised a tsunami warning on the east coast. Fortunately, Civil Defence said the latest quake did not trigger the risk of a tsunami.
While there have been no reports of major or widespread damage, insurers will be on standby for any potential claims following the earthquake. This is part of the Earthquake Commission’s partnership with private insurers to streamline the natural disaster claims process.
GeoNet said it expects further earthquakes in the region, some which may be felt by many people over a wide area.
The tremor was felt in areas as far away as Kerikeri, Auckland, and South Island, with the shaking described by many Kiwis as “light” but “long and rolling”.