New Zealand’s South Island is the epicenter of the magnitude six point three earthquake, which was followed by an even more powerful magnitude seven point five quake.
At least two people have been confirmed killed in the disaster, which triggered tsunami warnings.
Incoming reports say a large river dam by a landslide has breached its banks sending a large wall of water downstream.
Authorities have ordered immediate evacuation of residents around the Clarence River, which is one of the largest on South Island.
