Earthquake rocks Rotorua

An earthquake shook Rotorua late yesterday afternoon.

Geonet reported the earthquake struck at 5.06pm and was a magnitude 2.4. The website reported the quake was at a depth of 9km and was 5km southeast of Rotorua.

The intensity was recorded as light.

Shortly after the quake comments were flooding on social media websites Facebook and Twitter. Readers on The Daily Post Facebook page indicated the earthquake was felt widely throughout Rotorua.

Comments made on the site included: ``Yip the whole house shook only a couple of seconds though'', ``Yup whole house shook'', ``Yep, house rattled, my dog went absolutely mental _ cat continued to lie there asleep'', ``still shaking a bit here'' and ``Yip bt my kids were bummin out coz they were on the recliners Lolz''.

Others mentioned that it was scary and that the glass in cabinets shook.

Other comments made on The Daily Post Facebook page included: ``Big bang then shake, my poor kids screamed and are still crying'', ``my family live in Rotorua and they said it felt like a pretty mighty one!'',  ``I'm still shaking'' and ``Maybe quake was stronger in Springfield. Neighbours all came out of their houses and gathered on the street.''

Despite several reports from people who felt the quake, several Ngongotaha residents said they did not feel it.

One university student who is home in Rotorua after studying in Christchurch said he barely noticed the earthquake and that it was just a little one.