powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand

How are our friends in New Zealand doing?

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, around 12 a.m. local time on Monday, 11/14/2016.

According to the Associated Press, New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management reported that a tsunami wave struck at about 1:50 a.m. and warned residents living in low-lying areas anywhere along the country's east coast to move to higher ground.

Additionally, the ministry reported that it may arrive in Eastern Coast of the North and South Islands of New Zealand shortly, which includes Wellington, Christchurch and the Chatham Islands.

Officials warn that the first wave may not be the largest and waves may continue for several hours.

The Associated Press reports that the earthquake knocked out New Zealand's emergency call number, 111, for about 10 minutes and forced hundreds of tourists to take to the streets as hotels were evacuated in Wellington.

The quake was followed by a number of strong aftershocks.

Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says there are casualties in the in the Kaikoura area but says the nature and extent of the injuries is not yet known, reports Radio New Zealand.

Firefighters are reportedly searching through the rubble of a homestead near Kaikoura for one missing person. Another person was found alive, reports RNZ.

The earthquake struck approximately 33 miles northeast of Amberley, and 57 miles north-northeast from Christchurch. The latter location was hit by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake in February 2011, killing 185 and causing damage across the country.

Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealands South Island.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Wellington inner city residents have reportedly left their homes for safer areas in the city, reports AP.

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