No serious injuries have been recorded, aside from some suffering cuts from broken glass, but the city was in turmoil as buildings were evacuated and employees told to go home some office blocks could be assessed.

Unfortunately for them, transport services were suspended leaving workers stranded or attempting to hitchhike.

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Those driving were caught in gridlock trying to leave the city.

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A number of people were rescued from elevators by emergency services.

Aftershocks have measured up to 5.7 in magnitude.

Cabinet Minister Steven Joyce posted this on Twitter from parliament:

“Lots of aftershocks. Beehive (parliament) wobbling around like a jelly, but all ok”.

Power lines have fallen and boulders have tumbled onto the State Highway in some places, prompting public transport to be halted.

Residents have been told to expect delays.

Wellington Electricity said about 2500 customers were without power after the earthquake but that number was reduced to 600 within an hour.

The New Zealand Stock Exchange stopped trading temporarily.

The earthquake follows a 6.5 shake-up on July 21.

Images via Getty