A large earthquake has hit Christchurch. The magnitude 5.8 quake was 8km deep and centred 20km north east of Lyttelton. It struck at 1.58pm and was followed by a second sharp jolt a few minutes later. Several other aftershocks have also been recorded. The Christchurch Airport has been evacuated and the Fire Service deployed. Fairfax reporter Hamish Rutherford, who was at the airport, said the alarms had gone off, people had left the building, and were now waiting outside. He said people kept calm while the building rocked from side to side during the strong quake, which last about 20 seconds. A visitor to the city ... (full story)