An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale at 16:29 local time (4:29 GMT) Sunday was widely felt over a large part of the central and upper South Island of New Zealand.

According to the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, local earthquake monitor network, the Earthquake was centered 30 kilometers east of Murchison and 10 kilometers west of St Arnaud, at a depth of 100 kilometers.

It was felt strongly in Christchurch, biggest city in South Island, where residents reported hearing a rumble and feeling quite a swaying motion. The earthquake was also felt well into the southern North Island.

Source: Xinhua