USGS: Powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits New Zealand

A powerful earthquake with Magnitude 7.4 hit New Zealand's South Island, the US Geological Survey has reported on Sunday, November 13, 2016.

Powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake hits New Zealand

USGS added that the quake rattled some 95km (59 miles) from Christchurch.

Christchurch is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people and destroyed the city, a report from BBC says.

New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management said on its website that the National Crisis Management Centre is being activated.

"We are assessing the situation with the assistance of scientific advisors and Civil Defence groups. Expect aftershocks," the statement said.

Meanwhile, there are no immediate reports of damages and casualties from the recent quake.

New Zealand lies on Ring of Fire, the line of frequent quakes and volcanic eruptions that circles virtually the entire Pacific rim.

Since 1900 there have been 15 M7.5+ earthquakes recorded near New Zealand.



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