People in the lower South Island were given a big shake on Wednesday evening after five earthquakes hit near Milford Sound. Two of the earthquakes were stronger, measuring magnitude 5.5 and 5.6. The earthquakes happened northeast of Piopiotahi/Milford Sound at a depth of about 5 kilometres. Thousands of people across the region reported feeling the ground move.
Three smaller earthquakes were also recorded between 7pm and 8pm. GeoNet later said it had recorded about 30 earthquakes in the area and was continuing to detect new ones. The earthquakes were happening about 15 to 20 kilometres south-east of the Alpine Fault. Scientists said the earthquakes were occurring on a different fault and were caused by different types of movement from what is expected on the Alpine Fault.
The shaking caused some small problems, including rocks falling onto parts of State Highway 6 in the Kawarau Gorge. Crews checked the roads and cleared the loose rocks. Edith Cavell Bridge was also closed for a safety check before engineers said it was safe to reopen. In Te Anau, a Mitre 10 store owner said there was a lot of noise, but no major damage, although two cans of CRC fell from a shelf.
GeoNet said more earthquakes were likely to happen in the area. Most were expected to be smaller and unlikely to be felt, although there was a small chance of a larger earthquake. The earthquakes included sideways and upwards movements along faults beneath the ground. Scientists will continue to monitor the area and keep track of any new earthquakes.
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