New Zealand’s Ardern stays cool as earthquake strikes during live interview

World

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern 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.

FILE PHOTO: Pedestrians walk across a road in front of the New Zealand parliament building known as the Beehive in central Wellington, New Zealand, July 3, 2017. Picture taken July 3, 2017. REUTERS/David Gray

Ardern, who became prime minister in 2017, is hugely popular in New Zealand for her handling of several crises – a mass shooting in Christchurch last year, a volcanic eruption in December and the recent coronavirus pandemic.

Wellington and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre 30 km (20 miles) northwest of Levin, a city close to the capital, and at a depth of 37 km, according to Geonet.

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.

Reporting by Praveen Menon; editing by Grant McCool and Raju Gopalakrishnan

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Prepare to study in Canada
Study permit: Who can apply
How to Buy a House as a New Immigrant to Canada: A Comprehensive Guide
Canada Spousal Sponsorship Immigration Slows At Start Of 2024
Canada Issues 975 Express Entry Invitations to Apply for Transport Occupations
Quebec Expression Of Interest Draw: Province Issues 1,007 Canada Immigration Invitations
Ukrainians Arriving In Canada In Growing Numbers As CUAET Deadline Looms

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *