New Zealand earthquake: Powerful tremor hits South Island

<p>A powerful earthquake has struck New Zealand's South Island.</p><p>The US Geological Survey said the magnitude-7.4 quake hit just after midnight some 95km&nbsp; from Christchurch.</p><p>The ministry of civil defence has warned people on the east coast of the South Island to move to higher ground in case of tsunamis.</p><p>New Zealand lies on the notorious Ring of Fire, the line of frequent quakes and volcanic eruptions that circles virtually the entire Pacific rim.<br><br>The Herald newspaper said the tremor was felt all the way to Wellington, where sirens sounded and people fled buildings into the streets, some of them crying.</p><p>Early reports suggest some houses in Cheviot town, near the epicentre, have been damaged.<br><br><br></p>