UPDATED 9:09am

The Christchurch red zone has been closed as a result of a 5.1 aftershock in Canterbury this morning.

Indicator buildings in the Christchurch central city will be inspected this morning after the large aftershock.

The quake struck at 5.39am, near Dunsandal, 20km northwest of Leeston, at a depth of 12km.

GNS Science said the quake was felt across Canterbury, recieving reports it was felt as far north as Cheviot, as far south as Kaitangata, and also on the West Coast.

Orion said there had been no power outages as a result of the jolt.

Cantabrians turned to social networking site Twitter to share their experience.

“Another aftershock to wake us up. 5.1mag @ 5.39am. Who needs an alarm clock,” Michelle Joy wrote.

“Arrrh the familiar sound of breaking glass at 5.42am,” Adrienne Rewi tweeted.

Jo Gilbert said “this am’s shake was a gentle, rolling reminder that THAT is still hanging around.I hadn’t felt anything more than a wee wobble in ages.”
 

– NZHerald Staff

Did you have any damage at your place?  Let us know by posting a comment below