Earthquake rocks New Zealand

Published Friday, December 21, 2007

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - A strong earthquake struck New Zealand last night, collapsing at least three older buildings in one coastal city on North Island, sparking small fires and forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Sixteen minor injuries were reported in the port city of Gisborne, which was hit hardest by the quake and suffered the most property damage, although it was felt all over the country, officials said.

The magnitude 6.8 quake was centered in the Hikurangi undersea trench off North Island, 25 miles below the surface and about 30 miles southeast of Gisborne, the GNS Science geological agency reported.

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake at magnitude 6.6.

The temblor did not trigger a tsunami warning at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii.

Police cordoned off a large part of Gisborne’s central business district until engineers could inspect damaged buildings and ensure they were safe to enter, senior police Sgt. Moira Brown said. "We have got a lot of damage and are still assessing the situation," police inspector Waata Shepherd said. "Some roofs have collapsed. We are still trying to ascertain the amount of damage."

The central city area had been "locked down" because of the damage, he said. Power lines were down in some areas, and the quake had left a huge hole in one of Gisborne’s main roads, he added.

Mayor Meng Foon said the fire department put out 10 small blazes. Water and sewage systems were still working.

Gisborne District Council spokes-man Vance Walker told TVOne News that three historic buildings had collapsed in the city’s center. Structural engineers confirmed at least 12 buildings had been badly damaged, Gisborne Civil Defense Controller Jon Davies said.

Earthquake Commission Insurance Manager Lance Dixon said early estimates indicated $23 million in damage was incurred.

Stephanie Butler said her two-story Bernina sewing shop in Gisborne was destroyed when a next-door building toppled onto it.

"One side is completely missing," she told National Radio.

Gisborne restaurant owner Tony Taylor said rain that forced diners to eat inside probably saved their lives after a chunk of brick and concrete crashed onto an outside table.

"It was a Godsend that it was raining," he said. "Otherwise those guys would be dead." The table and chairs were "absolute pancakes" he said.