A 5.3 aftershock just after 3 this morning woke many residents in Canterbury. It was centred near Rolleston at a depth of 14km. It was was also felt in Ashburton and Timaru.

There was considerable shaking up to 15 seconds raising alarm but at this stage there have been no reports of further damage. 

Yesterday at lunchtime an aftershock measuring 4 on the richter scale was also centred in the Canterbury township and last night a 3.5 tremor was recorded near Belfast at 10pm.