Christchurch hit by another series of earthquakes

Residents try to free a car stuck in a liquefaction sink hole (Getty Images)

Another series of strong earthquakes struck the city of Christchurch yesterday, rattling buildings, sending goods tumbling from shelves and causing panic among Christmas shoppers.

There was no tsunami alert and buildings appeared to have been spared major damage. The city is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in February that killed 182 people and destroyed much of the commercial centre.

Yesterday, one person was injured at a shopping mall and taken to hospital, and four people had to be rescued after being trapped by a rock fall, but no serious injuries were reported. Christmas shoppers were forced to abandon their trips to large malls and high streets as officials urged people to stay away from densely populated areas.

AP