M6.9 earthquake - Kermadec Islands region

What happened

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Kermadec Islands region on 3 May 1997, 16:46 UTC at a depth of 108 km.

Earthquakes of this size are classed as Strong. Can cause damage in populated areas up to tens of kilometres away. This was an intermediate-depth earthquake, so shaking is spread over a wider, gentler area.