Magnitude 7.2 Quake Hits New Zealand's South Island, USGS Says

An earthquake with a revised magnitude of 7.2 struck New Zealand’s South Island about 4:30 a.m. local time this morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said on its website.

The quake, centered about 31 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of Christchurch, caused damage to roads and structures, police said, according to Radio New Zealand. Aftershocks have been felt, the radio station said.

The tremor was felt as far away as Greymouth, about 166 kilometers away on the western side of the island opposite Christchurch, and in Dunedin, about 309 kilometers away, according to the radio station.

Orion New Zealand Ltd., the electric utility, said power was out to most areas of Christchurch, Radio New Zealand said.

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