Strong aftershock hits Christchurch

File photo / Greg Bowker

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake has struck near Christchurch, leaving residents rattled and fearful for their damaged homes.

The aftershock hit 10km west of Akaroa near Banks Penninsula, at a depth of 12km just after 10:30pm, Geonet reported.

Power was briefly cut to some western suburbs including IIam, Avonhead and Burnside but police said there had been no reports of serious problems following the tremor.

"I understand the airport may be closed at the moment while they check the runways ... but no significant reports of damage or anything," police southern communications Inspector John Doherty said.

The aftershock, the strongest since magnitude 5.7 and 6.3 quakes last Monday, was quickly followed by two smaller quakes of 3.5 and 3.6 magnitude, centred 10km southwest of Christchurch.

Residents took to Twitter to report the shock, with some saying it was the worst they had felt since the devastating February 22 earthquake.

Many reported exhaustion at the string of large aftershocks hitting Canterbury. Peteroflz said: "It's nights like these where I feel like our city is doomed eternally."

- NZ Herald staff, NZPA