'Massive' quake could hit Wellington - reports

BREAKING NEWS: Since the magnitude 5.8 earthquake that rattled near Wellington today, numerous smaller earthquakes have hit nearby however infonews.co.nz can confirm after being in contact with many people that know about earthquakes "another one is on the way".

"Wellington, get ready. Be prepared. This is just the start" a scientist has told infonews.co.nz this evening after a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Wellington today.

the 5.8 magnitude quake struck 30km east of Seddon in Marlborough at 9.06am, at a depth of 16km, GeoNet reports.

Since the initial severe earthquake numerous smaller 'but sharp' quakes have struck including one just an hour ago calculating 4.5 magnitude just 35km east of Seddon.

Small damage has been reported in Wellington as screams were heard threw out the capital when the big quake struck.

One Wellington resident told infonews.co.nz it was like a rollercoaster ride.

"It started off just mild then it just went for it. Screams were heard in my apartment and the building was shaking. It was like a rollercoaster ride. Very scary. We all jumped for tables"

Regan Meynell said the earthquake "started with a rumble".

"Me and my brother rushed into the doorway, both very scared," he said. "It was very scary pots and pans and cutlery were rattling together, shampoo bottles fell off a ledge in the bathroom."

Meanwhile, hundreds of people in the region took to Facebook and Twitter to report the quake.

Stephen Gallagher tweeted: "My house was swaying pretty intensely haha #eqnz."

Twitter user Megan posted: "That was a big one #eqnz."

Another person tweeted: "Actually under the desk in our building for that one. But the only damage was my water spilled. #eqnz."

Sandy Dougherty said: "Big shake on Arapawa Island, watching the ferries sail on happily #eqnz."

While Steve Cretney said sharp jolts had been felt in Carterton and John Glenysse said he felt the quake "gently" in Westport.

BIG QUAKE ON THE WAY: "Get Ready" - reports

infonews.co.nz has been told by numerous people that a big earthquake could strike in the next week and Wellington really needs to get ready and be prepared.

A scientist living in Wellington felt the quakes and said after investigating them he could confirm a bigger one could well hit in the next week and he believed that there was a 60% chance.

He told infonews.co.nz to just be prepared. 

"Get first aid kits, water, food and make sure if there is an earthquake you have a safe spot."

Source: infonews.co.nz/FairfaxNZ