Large Earthquake Hits Near Christchurch, New Zealand

Updated: Thursday, 22 Dec 2011, 7:33 PM CST
Published : Thursday, 22 Dec 2011, 7:33 PM CST

(NewsCore) - A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck near the New Zealand city of Christchurch Friday afternoon, cutting phone lines and power and causing officials to evacuate the city's international airport.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake was at a depth of 2.9 miles (4.7km) about 16 miles (26km) east-northeast of Christchurch at 1:58pm local time.
A resident in the South Island city, which has been repeatedly hit by quakes since one measuring 7.0 in September 2010, told NewsCore the large tremor had been followed by three dramatic aftershocks.
The series of shakes are the largest to hit the region in about three months. About 180 people were killed when a quake hit the city in February.
As well as cutting electricity and phone lines, Friday's quake caused items to fall from supermarket shelves, the New Zealand Herald reported.



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