This map shows some 700 earthquakes recorded this year around Taupō volcano, which now sits at alert level one for the first time. Image / GeoNetThis map shows some 700 earthquakes recorded this year around Taupō volcano, which now sits at alert level one for the first time. Earthquakes located by GeoNet in the Lake Taupō area from January 1 to September 18, 2022. "Substantially higher levels of ground deformation - tens of centimetres or metres - would only occur at higher unrest levels, and could have impacts such as damaging underground services." "Earthquakes of this size or larger are always possible in the central North Island because of the tectonic Taupō rift," Illsley-Kemp said.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 01, 2022 22:09 UTC