9:30PM UPDATE

Another aftershock registering 3.8 has hit Christchurch this evening following the 4.8 shake earlier tonight.

There have now been 10 tremors within the last 12 hours which is a consdierable increase on the previous 12 hours.

Most of the aftershocks are coming from the fault line that erupted on February the 22nd. 

Many Christchurch residents are on edge as the quakes have been reasonably shallow and at times long lasting.

Earlier story

A significant aftershock shook parts of Christchurch tonight with many locals believing it was the biggest since February 22.

It registered 4.8 on the richter scale and was centred near Redcliffs in Christchurch, at a depth of almost 11km.
The long rumble gave quite a shaking to many residents with some resorting to hiding under dining tables and door frames.

The tremor was felt as far away as Timaru and Oamaru and at this stage there have been no reports of injury or further damage.