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A man wipes away tears as people offer a moment of silent prayer in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 1, 2011, a week after an earthquake devastated the area. AP/Press Association Images via PA images
Earthquake
Earthquake strikes Wellington, New Zealand
The quake, which comes a week after the Christchurch earthquakes, did not cause major damage.
AN EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4.5 in magnitude struck an area north of Wellington in New Zealand yesterday.
The quake occurred at local time 10.07pm on Tuesday night around 20km north-west of Wellington and was felt in the North Island and upper South Island, Radio New Zealand reports.
The station said there have been no reports of damage and that many people in central apartments and buildings left following the tremor, and stayed on the streets as they were unsure if it was safe to return.
The quake was not believed to have been felt in Christchurch. It hit just hours after a traditional Maori lament took place to mourn those killed last week.
The official death toll for the Christchurch disaster stands at 154 people. There are 240 people reported missing, but some of those people may be among the confirmed dead.
The funeral for the youngest victim of last week’s earthquake took place yesterday. Little Baxter Gowland, who died in his sleep when he was hit by falling masonry, was laid to rest in a small chapel, surrounded by family and friends.
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