Two earthquakes strike near Akaroa

Two earthquakes have been felt in Akaroa, only a few minutes apart.

The first earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.9 at a depth of 24 km and occurred at 1:40 p.m., followed by a magnitude of 3.4 with a depth of 20 km at 1:45 p.m.

Both were about 50 kilometers northeast of Akaroa.

The former was initially reported as a magnitude of 3.8, but was later updated to 3.9.

Ninety people have reported feeling the first earthquake on GeoNet, while 40 people have reported feeling the second.

Most have described it as a weak light shake.

It follows two other earthquakes on the South Island today.

A 3.7 earthquake struck at a depth of 11 km and had its epicenter 5 km east of Christchurch city center, near Linwood Ave at 12.36 a.m.

Several people on the West Coast felt a 4.2 magnitude earthquake.

According to GeoNet, the earthquake struck at 6.32am Wednesday and was centered near Reefton at a depth of 5 km.