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6.3 earthquake strikes near Kaikoura

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Fri, 24 Apr 2015, 3:41PM
(Photo: Supplied)
(Photo: Supplied)

6.3 earthquake strikes near Kaikoura

Author
Newstalk ZB staff,
Publish Date
Fri, 24 Apr 2015, 3:41PM

UPDATED 4:34pm: Contractors are being sent to assess reports of a slip blocking both lanes on the road between Kaikoura and Cheviot.

It follows a 6.3 earthquake that hit the seaside down around 3.40pm.

The slip, reportedly near the Parititahi Tunnel is yet to be confirmed.

MORE: Earthquake strikes mid-interview with Aussie comedian Andy Lee

St John has had no reports of injuries or damage.

Spark down

There are issues with Spark's mobile phone network.

The company's confirmed on its website that customers may be having problems making calls, sending texts and using data.

Its techs are currently checking what may have caused the problem and will endeavour to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

Connected to 2013 quake?

It's thought to be connected to the fault that damaged Seddon a couple of years ago.

GNS spokeswoman Caroline Little says the quake is likely to be connected to yesterday's 5.1 magnitude shake, and others.

"It possibly could be all related with those Cook Straight earthquakes in 2013."

Little says it struck at a depth of 76 kilometres.

"We've classed it as a strong quake so a small amount of structural damage, but more likely things falling off shelves and that sort of thing."

Ms Little says the middle of the country can expect a few aftershocks.

"The general rule of thumb with aftershocks is they'll be up to one magnitude less than the main shock, so we might have some fives and fours and threes as well."

It was felt in the main centres of Christchurch and Wellington. 

The quake has spooked Australian comedian Andy Lee who was speaking to Radio Sport when it hit. 

Belfast

Newstalk ZB's Brian Ashby is in Belfast just North of Christchurch when he felt the earthquake.

"I was having a bit of a nana nap on the couch and there was this rumble noise, thought it was a car pulling into my driveway, and then suddenly the house started swaying.

" It was quite harsh for about three to four seconds."

Cheviot

Sue is in Cheviot just seventy kilometres from Kaikoura.

She shot under the dining table when the quake struck with a roar.

"The chimney's still standing, but I'm just out surveying things, but I've got hanging things in my kitchen and they're still swinging."

Wellington

Newstalk ZB reporter Nick Walker felt the quake in Wellington.

"It just kept going and rolling around for it must have been about 20 or 30 seconds or something like that."

Police Southern Communication says there have been no reports of damage so far following the earthquake.

And there's already been an aftershock.

It was 3.8 in magnitude.

Kaikoura Chief Fire Officer Ian Walker says it was quite the shake up.

"We had two. One shake and then we got a real beauty. The brigade hasn't been called out as yet, several phone calls."

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