A tsunami has struck New Zealand’s east coast after a powerful earthquake hit the country’s South Island just after midnight.
The US Geological Survey said the magnitude-7.5 quake hit 59 miles (95km) from Christchurch just after midnight local time on Sunday.
New Zealand civil defence said the first wave hit the South Island around two hours later and warned it was likely more could reach the coast in the hours ahead.
Officials confirmed there had been some casualties although it is not clear how serious these are as roads to some of the worst affected areas remain impassible so rescuers are flying in by helicopter.
Concern was growing for people in the coastal town of Kaikoura, which has been cut off by the disaster amid reports of a number of casualties there.
Located near the epicentre, it appears to be one of the hardest hit areas, and officials are hoping to get a better understanding of the damage once the sun rises.
Helicopters are being sent to check the area and assist the victims.
After the earthquake struck warning sirens sounded up and down the coast and officials advised anyone near the shoreline to move to higher ground immediately. The evacuation zone quickly expanded to include the eastern coast of the North Island, including Wellington.
The US Geological Survey said the magnitude-7.5 quake hit 59 miles (95km) from Christchurch, which is still recovering from the 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people and destroyed many buildings.