TAUPO DISTRICT, Waikato Region — A 5.0 magnitude quake was registered near Turangi Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

At 05:27 UTC (17:27 local time), the region was shaken by a tremor. The earthquake hit at a depth of 122 km, with its epicenter roughly 6 km west-southwest of Turangi. Seismologists first reported it as a 4.9 event, but later upgraded it to 5.0.

Did you feel it?

Those who felt the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.

Impact and estimated losses

Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Structure information summary
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are reinforced masonry and unreinforced brick with timber floor construction.

Historical information
A magnitude 6.5 earthquake 165 km northeast of this event struck Edgecumbe, New Zealand on March 2, 1987 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 14,000 at intensity VII and 16,000 at intensity VIII, resulting in a reported 1 fatality.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey