Earthquake rattles Christchurch, more than 6500 report feeling it

Photo: GeoNet

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake has struck near Christchurch.

It struck at 1.42pm, 20km northwest of Akaroa.

GeoNet said it has caused moderate shaking. The earthquake was originally reported at magnitude 4.2 but GeoNet has since upgraded it.

Around 7000 people have reported feeling the earthquake.

That was a swearworthy #eqnz. Rattley noisy beast

— @binkle (@binkle) March 18, 2023

*That* was the strongest quake I’ve felt in years, but hey, I was also listening to the last part of a Sam Neill radio interview, so it’d take more than an M4.6 to get my attention for more than a few seconds. #eqnz #prioritieshttps://t.co/e1G3ACW2wW

— Beth He waka eke noa! (@beth2nz) March 18, 2023

Felt it and the deck was shaking. #eqnz

— Nathaniel Flick/Natanahira (@nathanielflick) March 18, 2023

It comes after a significant number of small earthquakes were feltrattling the Bay of Plenty starting early this morning.