Christchurch rocked again New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says at least two people were killed in powerful earthquake that struck the island early on Monday morning.Residents in coastal areas fled through the night Monday after the 7.8 earthquake struck just after midnight, triggering a potentially destructive tsunami, AP reported.
Nearly seven hours after the first quake struck, the prime minister confirmed two fatalities, saying “we cannot rule out” that number will rise.
“At this point we are unable to give precise details of what caused those fatalities,” Key said, adding that communication problems made it difficult to get information from the affected areas of the South Island.
The earthquake, centred north of Christchurch in the South Island, was felt throughout the country, causing widespread damage and reported casualties.
Authorities said they were not yet declaring a national emergency, saying the regions are coping well.
According to AP, authorities in Wellington are urging people who work in the centre of the city to stay home on Monday.
Authorities in New Zealand downgraded tsunami warnings around the country following a powerful earthquake just after 20:00.
NAMPA/AP