New Zealand, on Thursday, recorded a 7.2 magnitude
earthquake. The quake, which originated 180 kilometres northeast of city of
Gisborne at 2:27 am local time, caused authorities to issue a tsunami warning
for coasts located within a 300-kilometre distance from the earthquake’s
epicentre. This, however, is not a one-off scenario. The country, located on the
boundaries of two of the world’s major tectonic plates, the Pacific plate and
the Australian plate – has often witnessed major earthquakes in the past.

The following listicle highlights the top five most damaging earthquakes to have ever taken place in New Zealand, as per New Zealand government data.

Also read: 7.2 magnitude earthquake hits New Zealand, tsunami warning issued

1.      Wairarapa
(1855, magnitude 8.2): The most powerful earthquake in the recorded history of
the country. Wellington was by far the most devastated city in the country,
where up to nine people passed died. Some wooden structures survived.

2.      Hawke’s
Bay (1931, magnitude 7.8): Not having the highest magnitude, yet being by far
the most damaging one, the quake struck at 10:48 pm on February 3, 1931.
Crippling the cities of Napier and Hastings, damages included buildings
crashing down and buildings as well as other structures collapsing. 256 people
died in this incident, as per government of New Zealand.

3.      Kaikoura
(2016, magnitude 7.8): Having taken place in southern Marlborough and northern
Canterbury, this 2016 quake killed two persons.

Also read: Jacinda Arden pays tributes to the 185 victims on Christchurch quake anniversary

4.      Murchison
(1929, magnitude 7.8): Tremors were felt throughout the country and caused damages
in Greyworth, Nelson and Westport. Murchison saw major landslides, due to which
14 people died.

5.      Canterbury
(2010, 2011) (magnitude 7.1, 6.3): Two consecutive years of quakes saw major
damages in Christchurch city. While the first was bigger, in 2011 significantly
more damage was done, as a total of 185 people died in the disaster.