An earthquake measuring 6.1 in magnitude has hit New Zealand’s South Island, hours after at least two people were killed by an initial quake.

The new tremor struck about 13:45 pm local time (00:45 GMT) at a depth of 10km (6 miles), northeast of Christchurch, reports the BBC.

A 7.8-magnitude quake, with the same depth, hit the same area just after midnight, triggering tsunami warnings.

Authorities are rescuing and evacuating residents along the east coast.

There have been hundreds of strong aftershocks, causing power shortages and cuts in water supply.

Waves of around 2m (6.6ft) hit the coast shortly after the first earthquake. Authorities have since lifted tsunami warnings for some areas.

New Zealand media reported that a 100-year-old woman and her daughter-in-law were pulled out alive from their home in the town of Kaikoura, after the house collapsed in the aftermath of the first earthquake. The younger woman's husband died.

BDST: 0843 HRS, NOV 14, 2016
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