Christchurch cliffs collapse after severe earthquake

Swimmers and surfers at the beaches to the East of Christchurch, on the South Island, New Zealand were shocked when they saw rocks began to fall into the sea and the cliffs collapsed after a 30 minute earthquake that struck at 13:!3 local time (00:13 GMT). New Zealand lies on the notorious Ring of Fire, the line of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that dominates the entire pacific rim.

New Zealand Seismological body GNS Science recored the severe earthquake 5.7 magnitude that took place at a depth of 9 miles (15km) , and sent large clouds of dust billowing over the suburb.

No serious injuries were reported and there was no major damage to Christchurch, which was devastated by a 2011 earthquake that killed 185 people.