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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

New Zealand rocks

Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – A magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted New Zealand’s capital early today, setting off security alarms and frightening many residents, officials said.

The quake struck at 7:56 a.m. and was centered 20 miles outside the city, the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences said on its web site.

“It was a good shake, I ducked for the doorway,” said police Sgt. Ben Offner of nearby Upper Hutt.

He said people reported items had fallen from shelves and cupboards, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injury.

A magnitude 5.5 quake is capable of causing serious injury and damage in an urban area.