Strong quake strikes New Zealand, air service suspended

A strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand. The local authorities had to temporarily suspend air service, trains and buses were stopped too.

According to seismologists, the epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 10 km and centered 74 km to the south-west of Wellington (North Island). The tremors were felt on the northern coast of the South Island.

In the town of Seddon, a building collapsed as a result of the quake. Several other buildings were damaged. The work the New Zealand Stock Exchange was suspended. Electricity went off in several areas of the South Island. No injuries were reported.