This Article is From Sep 04, 2010

Powerful 7.4 quake hits New Zealand's South Island

Wellington (New Zealand): A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake has rocked much of New Zealand's South Island. However, no immediate tsunami alert has been issued and no injuries have been reported.

The quake, which hit 30 kilometres west of the southern city of Christchurch, shook a wide area with initial radio reports saying items were tossed from store shelves and roof tiles cracked by the strong temblor.

Geological agency GNS Science says the earthquake was 33 kilometers below the earth's surface.

New Zealand's National Radio reports the temblor hit at 4:35 a.m. shaking thousands of residents awake. There are no immediate reports of serious damage.
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