New Zealand rocked by ANOTHER earthquake just hours after fatal shock that killed two

The 6.4 quake comes hours after another powerful tremor killed two

NEW Zealand has been rocked by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake – just hours after a more powerful quake killed at least two people.

The latest rumble struck at around 1.45pm local time (00.45 GMT), hitting around 75 miles northeast of Christchurch and at a depth of six miles, the US Geological survey said.
It follows a 7.8 magnitude earthquake which hit at 1.50am local time (12.50pm GMT) which triggered tsunami warnings.
The New Zealand civil defence announced a local state of emergency has been declared in Kaikoura, which is just 24 miles southwest of the epicentre of the 6.2 magnitude quake, where phone lines have also gone down.
A state of emergency has also been declared in Hurunui, which has a population of 12,700.
Kaikoura is a popular hotspot, populated by tourists whale and dolphin watching, both in the air and in water. Phone lines in the area have gone down.

Tsunami warnings remain in place in the New Zealand capital of Wellington after the first, more powerful quake struck 180km northeast of Christchurch on Sunday – meaning that the latest tremor has edged its way towards the country's third most populous area.
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake is considered a major, and can cause serious damage.
The first earthquake was felt in both Auckland and Wellington, two of New Zealand's largest cities, while the latest 6.2 rumble is categorised as a tremor which can cause significant damage in populated areas.
The country's prime minister John Key has refused to rule out a rise in the death toll.
He said: "We don't have any indications at the moment to believe [the death toll] will rise, but we can't rule that out."

 

The earlier quake caused significant damage to infrastructure in New Zealand

Following the first shock, emergency workers went door-to-door warning people to evacuate after experts said waves as high as five metres could hit the island.
Those trapped in Kaikoura have been told to expect floods after the earthquake broke a dam on the Clarence river, one of the largest waterways in New Zealand.
Authorities at Environment Canterbury have told people to stay away from the river and floodplains due to the potential threat of landslides, with those who live by rivers are being told to expect an evacuation.
The New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) told family and friends to text or use social media to get in touch with loved ones, but not to hesitate to call New Zealand police if no contact cannot be established.

 

One of those rescued in the earthquake was 100-year-old Margaret Edgar

The chief executive for Kiwirail, the country's state owned company responsible for rail operations, has claimed the damage to parts of the rail is severe and is the worst since the country has since since the Christchurch tremor in 2011, which killed 185 people.
Following the first quake, two people were rescued from homes near Kaikoura, including 100-year-old Margaret Edgar.
Ms Edgar had lived in the 20-room home with her family since 1952 but the property has been demolished by the violent convulsion.
According to local media, former New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw is part of the St John Ambulance helicopter team helping to rescue those trapped by the tremor.

 

Kiwirail chief executive Peter Reidy said there has been severe damage from the tremors

Peter Reidy said the high number of aftershocks have made it difficult for staff to evaluate the damage caused and that the rail line in one place outside Kaikoura was displaced by 20 meters.
New Zealand is located on the edge of the "ring of fire", a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
Around 90 per cent of all the world's earthquakes happen in the 25,000 mile area.

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