7.0 magnitude quake hits New Zealand

A strong 7.0 magnitude earthquake has struck New Zealand’s South Island, according to the US Geological Survey.

The epicenter of the earthquake was 6 km (4 miles) southeast of the city of Christchurch, BBC reported.

The earthquake struck at 1635 GMT on Friday at a depth of 34 km (21 miles).

Christchurch, with a population of approximately 342,000, is the third largest city in New Zealand.

The earthquake has caused power outages. However, no casualties or damages have so far been reported, The Press, a Christchurch-based newspaper said, adding that aftershocks were ongoing.

There has reportedly been no destructive widespread tsunami warning.