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Watch: New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern remains cool as earthquake strikes during live interview

WION Web Team
New Delhi Updated: May 25, 2020, 10:50 AM IST
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An earthquake struck near New Zealand's capital on Monday (May 25) morning, shaking many residents including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who continued with a live TV interview at the parliament building. The 5.8 magnitude earthquake was 37 kms deep and the epicenter was 30 km northwest of Levin, a city in New Zealand's North Island close to the capital Wellington, according to Geonet.

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Capital Wellington and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake as the live interview was underway.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who has a reputation for keeping her cool in the face of a crisis, was undaunted by an earthquake that struck the capital Wellington on Monday while she was doing a live TV interview, and calmly continued with the programme.

Capital Wellington and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake as the live interview was underway.

Ardern was speaking on a live TV interview at the time from the parliament building, called the Beehive.

"We’re just having a bit of an earthquake here, Ryan...," she told the host of the show Ryan Bridge, as she, the camera and other things around her shook.

"Quite a decent shake here...if you see things moving behind me. The Beehive moves a little more than most," she said.

Ardern assured the host that she was safe and the interview resumed.

"We are fine, I'm not under any hanging lights and I look like I am in a structurally strong place," she added.

The video was soon viral on social media.

Although the quake caused no damages or injuries were reported, it lasted for more than 30 seconds and caused panic in Wellington with several people in offices and homes getting under their tables for cover.