Christchurch earthquake cuts power

Christchurch remains devastated following a magnitude 6.3 quake in February. Photo / Geoff Sloan

Christchurch was rocked yesterday by the biggest aftershock since the day of February's devastating quake.

The 5.3 magnitude aftershock hit 10km northeast of Diamond Harbour at a depth of 11km, disrupting services in the city.

Power was out for two hours for about 20,000 residents but was restored across the city by 7.50pm. Christchurch Hospital, police and ambulance centres were on backup power for some time.

A Civil Defence spokeswoman said there were reports of roading damage, especially in the eastern suburbs, and residents were asked to stay off the roads where possible. No injuries were reported.

The quake shook the Strategy Building on Montreal St to a lean, causing the area to be cordoned off.

Mayor Bob Parker was at a public meeting in Bromley when it hit.

"It was very scary and a large number of older people were quite upset and a number had to be escorted away," he said.

Parker then drove through the city and saw masonry had fallen off some buildings and the power outages "led to a bit of traffic chaos".

Although it was something people didn't need on a Saturday night, people were coping amazingly well, said Parker.

"I think the most damage was to our state of minds."

Sumner volunteer fire chief Alan Kerr said the shake was "a wee bit more than an aftershock. It was a really good shake."

Countdown closed five stores then reopened three.