5.2 earthquake in the early morning shakes the lower part of the North Island

A 5.2 earthquake that caused houses to “jump” shook the lower half of the North Island overnight.

Geonet says the earthquake, which was located 35 kilometers west of Ohakune, on the central volcanic plateau, struck at 1.43 a.m.

It was measured at a depth of 127 km.

Those living in the affected regions say there was a loud roar before an earthquake that lasted up to 45 seconds.

People from Whanganui and Manawatū have taken to social media to describe the timing of the early morning earthquake, saying that initially there was a strong shaking, followed by a series of shaking.

Geoff Blackmore, who was in Taumarunui, not far from the epicenter of the earthquake, described an attack that violently shook his home.

“It was a strong shake that made the house jump, followed by a minute and five seconds of very gentle rocking,” he posted on Facebook.

Dave Martin said the earthquake woke him up when his house started to move.

“He woke me up … The house was rocking like crazy,” he posted.

Katrina Parker, who lives outside Palmerston North, posted that she also woke up from a good dream when it happened.

“It was strange. A strong shake, then a pause, then some shaking. I was expecting more, but I’m glad there wasn’t more. Damn, I was sleeping well too.”

More than 3,000 people reported feeling the shaking, experiencing shaking in the Whanganui region and the lower North Island.

Geonet said that today was an early awakening for some with the earthquake that struck far below the Whanganui region.