World
5.7-magnitude earthquake hits near Wellington in New Zealand
A significant earthquake struck the Cook Strait region early this morning, October 6th, at 5:08 AM.
The M5.7 quake, with a depth of approximately 33 kilometers, was widely felt throughout the Wellington region and northern parts of the South Island.
Geonet has received over 36,000 reports of the earthquake, highlighting its widespread impact.
This event serves as a reminder that earthquakes can occur anywhere in New Zealand at any time.
In the event of a major earthquake, it is crucial to remember the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” safety protocol.
If you are in bed, remain there and follow the “Stay, Cover, and Hold” procedure. If the earthquake is prolonged or intense, evacuate the area immediately.
If you are indoors during an earthquake, move a short distance to a safe spot and immediately drop to the ground, cover your head and neck with your arms, and hold on to something stable. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are certain it is safe to exit.
If you are outdoors when an earthquake strikes, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Then, drop to the ground, cover your head and neck, and hold on.
After an earthquake, tune in to your local radio stations for important updates and advice from emergency management officials. Be prepared for aftershocks.
If you are in a damaged building, evacuate carefully by using the stairs instead of the elevator. Find a safe, open area outside.
Early Saturday, residents across Tehran reported hearing multiple loud explosions, though the cause remains unclear.
The city has been on alert for possible retaliatory strikes from Israel, and the explosions reportedly originated from Tehran’s western side, where the Revolutionary Guards have a major headquarters, according to multiple local sources, including several Iranian journalists.
Fars News, a site closely linked to the Revolutionary Guards, confirmed that several large blasts had shaken the city, while other media reported that explosions were heard near or around Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Witnesses describe a surge of residents taking to the streets in response to the sudden noise, with nearby buildings shaken by the blasts. Syrian state media also reported similar sounds in Damascus, adding that the origin of the explosions there is “under investigation.”
Among those affected was Maryam Naraghi, a journalist based in the eastern Pardis neighborhood of Tehran, who recounted hearing the powerful sounds close to her location. “It was the unmistakable sound of bombs and explosions,” Naraghi explained.
The eastern part of Tehran houses various military sites, including Parchin, a highly secretive facility linked to Iran’s defense capabilities.
With heightened regional tensions, these blasts have fueled growing concerns across the city and beyond, as residents remain on edge.