earthquake

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake has just struck Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city with a population of 342,000. There are ongoing shock waves rocking the city.

UPDATE 12:40 PM

Scott Douglas of ChurchChrist tweets:

Reports here of buildings down in downtown Chch. Explosions heard. Chimneys down and cars squashed 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/4094979/Huge-earthquake-rocks-Christchurch

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/asia-pacific/strong-74-quake-hits-new-zealand-near-christchurch/article1695435/