A damaging magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Christchurch on Sunday afternoon NZT.

Geonet said the quake hit at 1.13pm. 

The severe earthquake was followed by another, moderate quake with a 3.5km magnitude at 1.17pm, 10km north-east of the city.

A spokeswoman at the southern fire communications center said they felt the quake but had not yet received any calls and didn’t know if any buildings had fallen.

The latest from the Herald:
•A 5.7 magnitude quake struck Christchurch at 1.13pm and was felt as far north as Wellington
•A cliff has collapsed in Sumner
•Shelves have fallen in homes, shops and libraries but so far no reports of serious injuries or damage.
•Riccarton Mall and some other shopping centres have been evacuated.
•Aftershocks are continuing.

See more info and photos here at the NZ Herald

“The whole Boardwalk shook like crazy and plates started smashing in the cafe next door.” Photo / Sarah Holliman

Dust from whitewash head cliff collapse near Sumner. Photo / Andrew Watson