New Zealand Earthquake Leads to State of Emergency Declaration

An earthquake registering a 6.8 magnitude rocked the northeastern coast of New Zealand Thursday night, knocking out power and causing buildings to collapse near the city of Gisborne.

While the damage caused by the temblor was extensive there have been no reports of serious injuries or casualties. City officials in Gisborne did declare a state of emergency after several gas pipes ruptured and small fires were spotted.

Communication in the coastal city has been difficult as land lines and cell phone usuage has been patchy.

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