The severe earthquake that struck Seddon in New Zealand was compared by experts as similar in intensity as the one that damaged Christchurch on February 22, 2011. Almost every house in Seddon was damaged by a series of earthquakes last August 16. The biggest earthquake was registered around 2:31 pm which had a magnitude of 6.6.

The second biggest earthquake in the series jolted residents around 9 pm with a 5.5 magnitude. After 30 hours, 50 aftershocks with intensity 4 and above were felt in the region.

Five people were injured from the earthquake and received treatment at Blenheim's Wairau Hospital. Four of them had sustained minor injuries while one patient was suffering from a serious medical condition.

Martin Reyners, a GNS scientist, said that the highest horizontal acceleration of the recent earthquake in New Zealand was estimated to bet at 0.75G near Seddon. He said the quake was comparable to the earthquakes felt in the center of Christchurch in 2011.

The peak force in Wellington was recorded at 0.20G. A passenger inside a Boeing 747 aircraft will feel a 0.16 force when the plane is taking off. A report from the University of California Berkeley said that most people will have trouble keeping their balance and experience motion sickness between a force of 0.1G and 0.2G.

The Seddon earthquake in New Zealand has damaged roofs, chimneys, windows and brickwork based on the reports of Civil Defence officials. Initial building inspections were conducted and officials said most houses remained intact and structurally sound.

Seddon residents remained calm when the aftershocks hit the region. Mayor Alistair Sowman praised the calm behaviour of residents. He said the recent quake was a terrifying experience in this part of New Zealand with the epicentre right at Seddon's centre.

New Zealand Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye and Earthquake Minister Gerry Brownee went to Seddon on August 18 to check on the situation and assure residents.

The magnitude 6.6 earthquake caused large cracks in the ground which prompted authorities to close State Highway 1. It was reopened after midday on August 18.

Meanwhile in Wellington, pubs, libraries and shops were opened a day after residents fled that caused roads to clog. All power lines including the water supply was restored. Normal bus, train, ferry services also resumed.

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