Massive Earthquake Causes Damage In New Zealand

By Peter Fowler at 3 Sep 2010

A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has struck the South Island of New Zealand causing structural damage to buildings and taking out power.

The quake struck 4.35am at a depth of 33 kilometres about 30 kilometres west of the coastal city of Christchurch, but no Tsunami warning is in force.

There are no reports of injuries at this stage, but emergency services have been inundated with calls.

Radio New Zealand reports roads have been ripped off, with power out in much of Canterbury and widespread reports of damage. Facades have fallen off buildings into roads with widespread reports of broken glass.

Police have closed off parts of the central city and Civil Defence is urging people to remain calm and stay in their homes. Officials are expected to decide at daybreak whether to declare to declare a national emergency.

People are being urged not to use their mobile phones as the phone system has become overloaded.

Aftershocks are continuing across the region.