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Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes near Christchurch, New Zealand – reports Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes near Christchurch, New Zealand – reports
(35 minutes later)
A powerful earthquake has hit northeast of Christchurch, a city in New Zealand, according to the US Geological Survey. Twitter reports from locals talk of “enormous” shaking felt in Wellington and Cheviot. A powerful earthquake has hit northeast of Christchurch, a city in New Zealand. Authorities have issued a tsunami warning, urging people in the area to “move to high ground.”
The quake was centered 46km from the town of Amberley with about 2,000 people, and 70km from the town of Kaiapoi with 10,000 residents, according to the USGS. The tremor had a shallow depth of 5 km. The quake was centered 46km from the town of Amberley with about 2,000 people, and 70km from the town of Kaiapoi with 10,000 residents, according to the USGS. The 7.4-magnitude tremor had a shallow depth of 5 km.
The quake also took place 86km from the town of Christchurch which was struck by a powerful earthquake back in 2011. At least 185 people were killed and hundreds injured after the 6.3 magnitude quake hit the town.The quake also took place 86km from the town of Christchurch which was struck by a powerful earthquake back in 2011. At least 185 people were killed and hundreds injured after the 6.3 magnitude quake hit the town.
According to GeoNet online service, the magnitude of the quake is 6.6 with a depth of 16km. The service added that the tremor caused “strong shaking” near the town of Kaikoura. NZ Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) has issued a tsunami warning.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the quake was felt in North Island. “Situation has changed – tsunami is possible. People near the coast in the south island should move to high ground,” MCDEM wrote on Twitter.
According to GeoNet online service, the magnitude of the quake is 6.6 with a depth of 16km. The service added that the "very large" tremor was felt through much of the country.This includes Taranaki, Hamilton and Auckland.
The region may be struck by aftershocks, the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management (MCDEM) warns.The region may be struck by aftershocks, the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management (MCDEM) warns.
No damage has so far been reported and there is no tsunami threat. No significant damage has so far been reported, though photos posted on social media show upturned cupboards and crashed lamps.
The tremor has been officially rated “severe,” the New Zealand Herald reported, adding that sirens can be heard in Wellington. There are reports that houses in the town of Cheviot have been badly damaged.
“I hope everyone is safe after the earthquake tonight. [New Zealand] Civil Defense is looking into the impact of the quake,” John Key, NZ Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.
According to Wayne Timmo, a resident of the town of Hamilton, the quake felt like a "long slow, rolling or almost rotating motion."
"The water in the neighbor's swimming pool was left sloshing around for about a minute and people woken by the quake came out onto the street to talk about it,” he told Stuff.co.nz news website.
"It really shook for a long time,” Jo Davis from the town of Nelson also told the news outlet.
The quake damaged powerlines in several neighborhoods and power may not be restored until morning.
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