Tsunami Warning Issued As Massive Earthquake Hits New Zealand

A huge earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 and depth of 16km has struck the Canterbury region of New Zealand.  Damage has been reported in locations across the country and the quake was strongest in Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Taranaki, Hamilton and Auckland.     The earthquake occurred just after midnight and the country's Civil Defence almost immediately issued a tsunami warning asking people in low-lying coastal areas to move inland or get to higher ground. People were asked to stay away from the water and off beaches. The quake was felt widely throughout both the South and North Islands, and has caused severe damage in some places. Power is reported to be out in several New Zealand towns and cities. The BBC is reporting early tsunami activity on the north-eastern coast, where officials have said that the first waves may not be the largest, with tsunami activity possible for several more hours.