Strong quake rocks central New ZealandLast updated 15:58 16/08/2013
City workers are fleeing Wellington after a severe earthquake rocked central New Zealand this afternoon.
Geonet said the quake stuck at 2.31pm and measured 6.2, 10km south east of Seddon at a depth of 8km. Initial reports said the quake was 6.9.
Aftershocks continued to rattle the centre of the country, including a 5.8 at 3.52pm.
There was no tsunami threat to New Zealand. Civil Defence said and civil defence headquarters had not been activated.
Workers were leaving their buildings and queues of traffic were forming out of the capital.
Wellington buildings have sustained minor damage including broken windows. Some people were trapped in lift shafts, Fire Service Region manager Brendan Nally said.
There were reports of damage to houses in Blenheim and landslides near Ward. However, he said the quake did not appear to have been "hugely damaging" despite its intensity. Roads leading to highways out of Wellington, including Jervois Quay and Boulcott St, were snarled with traffic delays.
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