A major earthquake struck New Zealand’s north island on Monday shaking buildings and putting tens of thousands without power.

The 6.2 magnitude earthquake was centered about 70 miles northwest of Wellington, the nation’s capital, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey.  The USGS reported the quake was located about 17 miles deep.  A series of weaker aftershocks continued through the afternoon and evening.

While there were no immediate reports of casualties, electricity was cut off for thousands throughout the region.  All trains on the rail network were stopped for railway inspectors to investigate for cracks on the tracks.

The quake was strong enough to bring down a giant eagle statue hanging from the ceiling of Wellington’s international airport.  No one was hurt by the falling sculpture although commuters had to scatter.  Airport authorities are investigating how the sculpture could have fallen.

New Zealand is on the southwestern edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire.