An area north northeast of Christchurch in New Zealand has been rocked with an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4.
The earthquake struck at midnight local time in an area about 57 miles from the city, which was devestated by a 6.3 magnitude quake in 2011.
There's been no reports of any deaths so far in the country which sits on the infamous Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean.
The tremor that struck in February 2011 killed 185 people and left many parts of Christchurch under rubble.
Civil authorities are advising victims to move to higher ground and anticipate any aftershocks.
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has said that there is no risk of an tsunami at this early stage.
Waterford native Peter Doyle is living in Christchurch. He said it was the worst earthquake he's experienced.
"It started off very slow then there was more rolling with stronger motions. The whole place start shaking.
"It went on for a very long time. In terms of damage, we won't really know until the morning."
