Anxieties ‘running high’

Horowhenua Mayor Bernie wanden says anxieties are running high in the region after more than 20 earthquakes struck in just over a day. A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck 30km northwest of Levin yesterday afternoon, little more than a day after a 5.8 magnitude quake struck at the same location. There were a further 19 ‘‘weak’’ or ‘‘light’’ aftershocks in between the two strong quakes, according to Geonet. Hanson, who was walking Levin’s streets when yesterday’s shake occurred, said the frequent shakes were taking their toll on residents. ‘‘I think a lot of people are feeling a little bit anxious and fearful, but everyone seems to be going about their business as usual. Most of us are used to reasonably strong earthquakes. We’re just experiencing a spate of them in terms of our location.’’ Wanden was confident therewas no risk of a tsunami following yesterday’s quake, stating the tremor would have to be magnitude 7 or higher before seaside communities were at risk.