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Taupō residents were feeling nervous today after a “swarm” of more than 50 earthquakes were recorded in the area overnight.
GNS Science duty volcanologist Ery Hughes said the earthquakes were not continuous, with most occurring before 11pm and another burst around 3am today.
“Swarmsof earthquakes are common in geothermal areas like this,” Hughes said.
“Most geothermal areas near Taupō are areas of concentrated activity.”
According to GeoNet’s website, the earthquakes recorded in the last 24 hours peaked at 3.4 in magnitude.
The most recent earthquake was recorded within 5km of Turangi at about 8am and had a magnitude of 2.1.
Earthquakes reported in Taupō overnight. Image / GeoNet
Hughes said although the GeoNet website and app reported the earthquakes as “unnoticeable” or “weak” shaking, this did not account for how shallow the earthquakes are or how close people live to them.
“Our team based in Taupō have definitely been feeling them,” Hughes said.
“The rate of earthquakes is higher than we normally observe in the area, so we continue to monitor the activity.
“We’ll provide updates if activity changes or increases.”
On Facebook, Taupō residents reported feeling the earthquakes increase in intensity over time.
“That was a big one,” one person said in a post.
“Not liking these rumbles.”
Another resident said there was “a good size one” at 3am, while another person reported the quakes “seem to be getting bigger”.
“My heart is in my throat,” the person said.
Another resident said the number of earthquakes left her feeling “a bit nervous”.
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.
