In this image released by the New Zealand Defense Force on Feb 15, 2023, a road between Napier and Wairoa is washed out by flood water. (PHOTO / AP)

WELLINGTON - A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck New Zealand near Wellington on Wednesday at a depth of 48 km, government seismic monitor Geonet said.

The earthquake's epicenter was 50 km from the town of Paraparaumu, according to Geonet.

A Reuters witness felt a strong shaking that lasted several seconds in the capital of Wellington.

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New Zealand lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire", a 40,000-km arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.

This comes after Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage across the North Island this week leaving 4 people dead, more than 10,000 people displaced and widespread damage.