Windows smashed, a chimney fell, and hot water cylinders ruptured as a result of a 5.9 magnitude earthquake centred near Porangahau yesterday.
The “severe shaking” quake was felt at 10.16am at a depth of 21km and was centred withing 5km of Porangahau.
It was followed by a magnitude 5.4 aftershock three minutes later.
Since then, 78 aftershocks have been recorded, the biggest measuring 3.9 just before nine o’clock last night.
Porangahau School evacuated its students to the Porangahau Hall following the quake, with students returning later in the day.
Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence initially advised those in coastal areas who felt the quake as “long and strong” to get to higher ground, however a short time later further advised there was no threat of tsunami.
Simon Keir, owner of Plumbing Place, said they had been called after two hot water cylinders ruptured in the Porangahau area.
He advised people to check their cylinders as they can leak, causing gradual damage over time.
Geonet had over 22,000 felt reports from across the country following the initial quake, and a spokesperson said aftershocks could continue for some days.
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More than $22,000 was raised from the CHB Lions Club Bookarama held last week.
A long line of people waited for the doors to open on the annual event at the CHB Municipal Theatre, with thousands of books changing hands across the three days.
Takapau Lions President, Jo Ward, said this year’s Bookarama was another outstanding success.
She said all funds raised will be donated back to the community.
Jo Ward said the event had become an annual institution for CHB and Hawke’s Bay book lovers, with most books selling in the $1 to $3 price range.
Along with the thousands of books, which are all sorted into genres and sections of interest, buyers also lined up for magazines, LPs, CDs, DVDs, and jigsaws.
Jo thanked everyone who came to buy books, along with the Takapau Lions team for the countless hours of sorting all the books.
She said thanks also go to the volunteers from Takapau and Waipawa Lions for their work at the event, and to the Ruahine Cadets who moved the many boxes of books in and out of the theatre.
Planning for next year's event is already underway.
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Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has commissioned an independent review of the region’s flood protection assets and drainage systems.
Regional Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby said the review would get underway next month.
She said the scope of the will cover the performance of all Regional Council-owned and operated flood protection, control and drainage schemes during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Ms Ormsby said the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle highlighted that there are many systems that Hawke's Bay communities rely on for emergency response and protection.
Specialist environmental planner and facilitator Phil Mitchell will chair the review panel.
