New Zealand: Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs on North Island at around 05:39 NZDT Jan. 4

Event

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred on New Zealand's North Island at around 05:39 NZDT Jan. 4. The epicenter was approximately 13 km (8 miles) north-northwest of Matamata. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light-to-strong shaking was probably felt throughout much of the North Island. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.