Casualties confirmed as massive earthquake and tsumanis strike New Zealand

A HUGE earthquake has rocked New Zealand’s South Island creating vast tsunamis and leading to mass evacuations.

Casualties are confirmed and emergency services are working frantically to save lives. The initial earthquake was magnitude 7.5 and struck at 12.02am local time.

There have been more than 45 aftershocks and the damage is extensive. Those living in coastal regions have been warned that waves will be three to five metres higher than usual.

Emergency accommodation has been set up for those forced to flee their homes. It is unclear how many casualties there are so far but the civil defence minister has confirmed that people are being treated for injuries.