Quakes rocking Fiordland

Aftershocks are still rocking Fiordland, after the massive 7.8 quake two weeks ago.

Two quakes measuring 5 or more on the Richter scale have struck this morning.

The first was a quake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale which had a focal depth of 12km and struck 110km west of Tuatapere this morning at 7.59.

The quake has been reported on the GNS website as far east as Invercargill.

About 45 minutes later, a quake measuring 5 on the Richter scale struck and was felt as far east as Otatara.

The quake had an epicentre of 130km east of Tuatapere and had a focal depth of 33km.

Last night another quake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck at 8.15, again 110km west of Tuatapere.

Last night's quake was felt as far east as Manapouri.

The massive quake which struck on July 15 measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and was the largest recorded world-wide this year but because of its remote location, it caused very little damage.

GNS seismologist Warwick Smith said the aftershocks are normal for a 7.8 quake.

He said there were aftershocks for weeks following the 1931 Napier earthquake.

Mr Smith said they were widely felt because of the larger population in the Hawkes Bay, whereas the Fiordland quake happened in a sparsely populated area.

He said there is no way of telling how long the aftershocks in Fiordland will last.

- NZ HERALD STAFF