“Severe” earthquake rattles North Island

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake has struck the Manawatu region of New Zealand’s central North Island this morning with thousands of people saying they felt shaking.

Earthquake monitoring agency GeoNet says the “severe” quake happened at about 4.50am this morning, July 25, at a depth of 9km.

It was felt by people in an area ranging from Whangarei to the top of the South Island.

Aftershocks have been reported and are expected to continue.