At least two confirmed dead in New Zealand earthquake

At least two people were killed after a powerful earthquake struck New Zealand near the city of Christchurch this morning, Prime Minister John Key has said.

New Zealand earthquake triggers tsunami up to 15ft high

The magnitude-7.8 earthquake sent strong jolts across the city and were also felt more than 120 miles away in the capital, Wellington.

The quake struck just after midnight in a mostly rural area close to the city of Christchurch.

Tsunami warnings were issued and people were advised to move to higher ground 

 Amora Hotel guests gather in a carpark after an earthquake on November 14, 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand. The 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck 20km south-east of Hanmer Springs at 12.02am and triggered tsunami warnings for many coastal areas. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management reported that a tsunami wave struck at about 1:50 a.m. and warned people along the coast to move to higher ground to avoid tsunami waves.

People said that the quake felt incredibly powerful and lasted for a long time.