The Ministry of Civil Defence has advised there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the 5.7 magnitude earthquake felt 15km east of Christchurch this afternoon.

Photo: file.

The earthquake struck the South island city just before 1.15pm on Sunday.

Civil Defence advises when an earthquake strikes, people in the affected area should expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold.

Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.

Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.

Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.

Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.

Help people who require special assistance – infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities and the people who care for them.

Detailed safety advice will come from local authorities and emergency services in the area. People should act on it promptly. MCDEM, local civil defence authorities and scientific advisors are closely monitoring the situation.