25 Jun 2020

5.9 magnitude quake shakes Milford Sound

12:37 pm on 25 June 2020

Milford Sound has been given a moderate shake this morning after a 5.9 magnitude quake hit followed by two weaker ones.

The quake was 40km west of Milford Sound.

Photo: GeoNet

GeoNet says the first moderate quake hit at 10.20am today and has a depth of 5km.

It was reported to be felt by more than 4000 people, including in Alexandra, Gore, Haast, Lumsden, Milford Sound, Queenstown, and Wanaka.

It was felt as far afield as Auckland, GNS seismologist Muriel Naguit said.

Some people in Queenstown reported the quake as extreme.

Just minutes later, two further quakes - a 3.6 magnitude and 3.4 magnitude - also hit 25km west of Milford Sound at a 5km depth.

At least 20 aftershocks have followed the initial quake from magnitude 1.5 and above.

Police said there have been no reported issues as a result of the quakes.

Just before 11am GeoNet reported there was a 2.8 magnitude quake.