Magnitude-5.6 quake jolts New Zealand; minor damage reported
WANAKA, New Zealand — A magnitude-5.6 earthquake jolted the South Island of New Zealand, but there were no initial reports of major damage or injuries.
The United States Geological Survey put the epicenter of Monday afternoon’s temblor at 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Wanaka.
New Zealand police issued a statement saying that people had reported some instances of broken windows but no major damage.
Fairfax Media reported tourist attraction Puzzling World was evacuated because of the earthquake. The attraction includes a large maze and rooms of illusion.
Wanaka is a popular with tourists, offering nearby skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer.
New Zealand is prone to earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.
