Strong quake rattles New Zealand’s North IslandJanuary 20, 2014 - 10:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A strong earthquake has rattled New Zealand’s lower North Island including the capital Wellington, although there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, according to the Associated Press. The United States Geological Survey reported the magnitude 6.3 quake struck at 3:52 pm local time on Monday, Jan 20, about 38 kilometers (24 miles) northeast of the town of Masterton. New Zealand lies on the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” an arc of earthquake and volcanic activity that stretches around the Pacific Rim. An earthquake in the city of Christchurch in 2011 destroyed much of the downtown and killed 185 people. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |