Christchurch hit by night of aftershocks

Prime Minister John Key says a local emergency may be declared after the latest Christchurch earthquakes. Photo / NZPA/Pam Johnson

Quake weary Christchurch residents were rattled by a 4.7 magnitude aftershock early this morning.

The quake follows yesterday's magnitude 5.5 and 6.0 jolts which caused a number of injuries and damage to buildings in the city.

The 4.7 magnitude quake struck at 2.48am, 10km southeast of Christchurch, at a depth of 15km.

The quake was felt in Chrtistchurh, GNS reported.

A police spokeswoman told NZPA there were no further reports of damage following the quake.

A number of smaller aftershocks including a 3.8 magnitude quake at 12.43am, also centred 10km southeast of Christchurch, were felt in the city overnight.

Seismologists predict aftershocks in the magnitude 4 to 5 range could continue for days.

- NZPA