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New Zealand struck by strong 5.3 magnitude earthquake

A strong earthquake with a 5.3 magnitude has struck in between New Zealand’s North and South islands.

The earthquake struck at a depth of 149km around 3pm (NZ time) on Tuesday, GeoNet reports.

“Bit of a wobble for many of us this afternoon,” the country’s National Emergency Management Agency Tweeted afterwards.

"We hope everyone is feeling ok after that. Remember, Drop, Cover and Hold is the right action to take in an earthquake."

Map of where the earthquake struck between New Zealand's North and South Islands. Source: GeoNet
New Zealand was struck by a strong 5.3 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday. Source: GeoNet

More than 17,500 people have reported feeling extreme to weak tremors, GeoNet reports. The quake shook homes between Wellington on the North Island and Nelson on the South Island, Stuff reported.

"I’m still sitting under the door frame after that shaky earthquake," one Wellington woman tweeted.

"I wasn’t going to get out of my chair but then I felt like I needed to hold onto something solid. It passed quickly for me in Wellington at least.”

"Bit of a shake in Wellington just now. Hope everyone is OK," another woman said.

"5.1 north of French Pass. Felt a lot closer than that here in Wellington. Full-on shaking house made the dogs go crazy!" a third woman Tweeted.

Fire and Emergency and police told the New Zealand Herald that had not received any calls outs following the earthquake.

Tsunami watch centres have not reported any warnings.

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