(VOVworld)-New Zealand has warned of a possible tsunami from the eastern coast to the capital Wellington following a massive 7.8-magnitude quake that struck near the city of Christchurch on Sunday morning.

Damaged road following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake  (Photo: AP/

New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management said tsunami waves can be 2 meters high and last for two hours. In some areas waves can be from 3 to 5 meters. But the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no immediate danger of a broader Pacific-wide tsunami from the quake.

The earthquake hit New Zealand with its epicenter at a depth of 23km, 90 km northeast of Christchurch.

At least two persons have been reported dead, 5 injured, and many houses damaged.