Christchurch resident describes scene after earthquake

A 7.0-magnitude earthquake has struck New Zealand's South Island, causing widespread minor damage and power cuts.

The epicentre was 55km (35 miles) north-west of Christchurch, at a depth of 12 km (7.5 miles).

Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city with a population of about 386,000, but no casualties have yet been reported.

Marg McCone, who lives in Christchurch, told the BBC the quake was quite severe and went on for a considerable amount of time.