NZ Civil Defence says tsunami possible after strong quake

Products lie on the floor of a health food shop in Willis Street after an earthquake based around Cheviot in the South island shock the capital Wellington, New Zealand, early 14 November 2016. EPA

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - A strong earthquake that hit New Zealand could cause a tsunami and residents on the South Island's east coast should seek higher ground, New Zealand's Civil Defence said on its twitter feed on Monday.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.4 magnitude quake struck just after midnight and was centred around 90 km north of Christchurch, which was devasted by a 6.3 quake in February 2011.