New Zealand struck by earthquake

A powerful earthquake has shaken much of New Zealand’s South Island, officials said.

However, a tsunami alert was not issued and no injuries were reported after the 7.4 magnitude tremor.

The quake, which hit 19 miles (30km) west of the southern city of Christchurch, shook a wide area, with radio initially reporting that goods were thrown from shelves and roof tiles cracked.

The earthquake was just 21 miles (33km) below the earth’s surface, geological agency GNS Science reported.

The quake hit at 4.35am, shaking thousands awake across much of South Island, New Zealand’s National Radio reported, noting there were no immediate reports of serious damage.