WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- A strong earthquake has shaken
New Zealand.
The 6.8 magnitude quake has knocked down three older buildings
and sparked small fires, forcing authorities to declare a state of
emergency in the country.
Sixteen people were hurt in the port city of Gisborne, which has
been hit the hardest by the quake. A police inspector says there's
substantial damage in the city and authorities are still
"assessing the situation."
Early estimates indicate about 23 million dollars worth of
damage in Gisborne. One man who lives about 20 miles south of the
city says his house is a "real mess" with Christmas gifts
destroyed.
The rumble did not trigger a tsunami warning.
New Zealand averages about 14,000 earthquakes a year, but fewer
than ten do any damage.
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