Earthquakes shake Southland

Two earthquakes have shaken western Southland tonight.

A "severe" 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 10km, 140km west of Tuatapere, about 6.15pm and was followed by a 4.4 magnitude quake 85km west of Tuatapere 15 minutes later.

Waiau Hotel owner Quinton Donald said the quake was relatively minor.

"It was a shimmering kind of quake, there were no jolts or anything like that."

A Fire Service spokesman said there were no immediate reports of damage.

Were you hit by the quake? Contact the Herald here