Two dead after powerful quake hits New Zealand

New Zealand police have confirmed two people have died in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the south island.

A large fissure runs along Kaikoura Road about two hours north of Christchurch Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, after a major earthquake struck New Zealand's south Islan Source: AP

Thousands of people along New Zealand's east coast have left their homes for higher ground, after a tsunami warning was issued, which has now been downgraded to coastal warnings.

The first tremor and a series of aftershocks have been felt throughout most of the country, with the epicentre of the quake just north of Christchurch on New Zealand's south island.

Local resident Michael Morgan says it was frightening.

"It was horrible. It started off with just a little bit of a roll and then it just must have lasted about 40, 45 seconds, and then there was a jolt, wasn't there?"

"It's still going": Residents react as strong magnitude-7.8 earthquake rattles New Zealand https://t.co/ipElalYg7c pic.twitter.com/eMjVG41RzM

Here's video from Mark A'Court's Nelson City store showing the moment the earthquake hit #NewZealand pic.twitter.com/ZZpcXpRMXS — Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) November 13, 2016

https://twitter.com/donie/status/797788448946081792