Quakes strike Whakatane

A cluster of earthquakes struck the Whakatane region early this morning.

The first was at 2.38am and measured 4.3 on the Richter scale. It was five kilometres deep and centred 20 kilometres north of Whakatane.

The second magnitude 3.2 quake happened at 2.48am followed by one at 3.42am measuring magnitude four.

Another quake was at 4.21am and measured 3.7. It was felt in Edgecumbe and Poroporo. It was followed by two more at 5.03am and 6.18am, measuring 3.7 and 3.5 respectively.

A further two quakes were felt at 9.19 am and 9.54am.

The last quake occurred at 7.31am with a magnitude of 3.1, 10km north of Whakatane.

According to the GNS website, 11 homes and businesses reported feeling the 7.30am quake between Whakatane and Ohope.

There were no reports of damage overnight, Whakatane police said.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZHERALD STAFF