Several powerful earthquakes struck New Zealand's North Island today, only a few hours after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the same region yesterday. At a depth of 21 kilometers, the first earthquake, which occurred at 10:16 am, was close to the rural community of Prangahau. A few minutes later, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the same area, then two minor tremors. In the hour that followed the initial quake, more than 25 aftershocks were recorded. Although GeoNet classified the first two as "severe," the National Emergency Management Agency affirmed that there was no tsunami threat. Despite several locals leaving and the nearby school closing, there was no substantial damage indicated. Some locals thought it was safer to wait beside their car because they experienced the biggest earthquake they had ever felt.