Magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes 25km east of New Plymouth

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake has struck the North Island this morning, waking thousands of New Zealanders.GeoNet reported the quake, which struck at 2.57am, was 25 kilometres east of New Plymouth and at a depth of 11km.More than 7000 people reported feeling the quake, with about 4000 feeling moderate to strong shaking.Fire and Emergency said it had not received any callouts relating to the tremor.RNZ listeners have described how it felt at their homes in various parts of the country.Richard said there was strong shaking at his home in central New Plymouth: "Haven't felt one like that for a long time. Was getting ready to drop, cover and hold. No damage but internet was offline for 15-20 mins."Also in Ngamotu/New Plymouth, Rob said it was "a huge shock"."A few big thumps (loud bangs, complaints from the building) and then gentle shaking as it died away. That's the biggest quake I've felt in ages."A listener based in Kaimata, a small rural settlement near the quake's epicentre, said pictures and pot plants fell and smashed at their home.Meanwhile, a couple of Golden Bay listeners reported "light shaking" and "a gentle sway".In Raetihi, in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, Tina reported a small shake, adding that it was great to get an alert on her phone before the quake began.Back in New Plymouth, another listener said: "The cat didn't like that one here in Moturoa!".