Breaking News - 7.4 earthquake hits New Zealand

U.S.G.S. reports that strong earthquake of 7.4 magnitude hit New Zealand, 4 miles southeast of Christchurch, the biggest city on the nation's South Island, in the middle of the night. I will be posting updates as information becomes available. Link to Shake Map




*Tsunamis not expected on U.S. West Coast - but stay tuned for updates
Link to citizen photos of earthquake in Christchurch
A second link to a twitter photo
A third link to four more photos ( reported to be a Christchurch Hospital)