5.3-magnitude aftershock shakes Christchurch

April 16th, 2011 - 4:43 pm ICT by ANI  

Wellington, Apr 16 (ANI): A strong aftershock measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale has hit Christchurch city of New Zealand on Saturday.

The quake was centered 10 km northeast of Diamond Harbour at a depth of 11km.

Loss of power has been reported in areas such as Huntsbury, Addington and St Martins.

Roger Sutton, Chief executive of New Zealand’s energy industry Orion, said due to violent shaking power sub station had automatically shut down.

“When they think they’re in danger they shut down to minimize damage. We’re doing checks at the moment and hope to have all power supply restored within an hour,” stuff.co.nz quoted Sutton, as saying.

However, according to the police officials no major damage has been reported.

“There’s been some more rockfalls in the Sumner area and water pipes have burst in New Brighton but the council are dealing with that,” said a police official.

The shake was followed by a 3.4 magnitude quake at a depth of 8kilometer and within 5 kilometer of Lyttelton, a suburb of Christchurch.

Earlier, on February 22, a massive 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, which killed nearly 181 people. (ANI)

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