Strong aftershock rattles Christchurch

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A 5.1-magnitude aftershock has hit New Zealand’s Christchurch causing more damage and another evacuation of the city’s CBD.

The powerful temblor which struck just before eight this morning local time (6am AEST) has been downgraded from a 6.1.

But it was felt as the strongest aftershock since Saturday’s massive 7.1 earthquake smashed buildings and homes and wrecked roads.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told NZPA it was a gut-wrenching blow that reduced many emergency workers to tears and forced the evacuation of the Civil Defence headquarters.

He says that for the city’s 340 thousand people who’ve have been through four days of physical and mental hell it’s like living in a maelstrom, NZPA reports.