Christchurch struck by two earthquakes

The earthquake's epicentre was 17km below the surface, just 10km west of the city at around 3pm. Photo / iStock

Christchurch has been rocked by two earthquakes within an hour of each other.

The first struck at 3.02pm, 16km deep and 10km west of Christchurch. It was described by Geonet as being of moderate intensity.

By 4pm, 764 people in the region had reported feeling it.

The second struck at 3.53pm and was also 10km west of the city, but 10km deep and described as being of light intensity.

By 4pm, 91 people had reported feeling it.