6.1 magnitude earthquake jolts New Zealand

Wellington (New Zealand) –  6.1 earthquakes shook New Zealand with an epicenter in northwest Paraparaumu. Tremors were felt in Levin, Porirua, French Pass, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Wellington, among other regions. The earthquake in New Zealand shook the North and South Islands in New Zealand as strong winds and heavy rains from ex-Cyclone Gabrielle battered the residents overnight. No casualties were reported.

Gabrielle, which reached New Zealand on Sunday before making its way down the east coast of the North Island, cut off entire towns, washed away farms, bridges and livestock, and inundated homes, stranding people on rooftops.