Earthquake Measuring 5.5 strikes Central New Zealand Thursday Dec 29,2016

A severe earthquake with a 5.5 magnitude has struck central New Zealand on Thursday Dec 29,2016 just weeks after two massive quakes rocked the country. 

Last month, two major earthquakes measuring 6.3 and 7.8 struck Cheviot, located between Christchurch and Kaikoura.

More than 7,000 people reported feeling the ground tremble beneath them on Thursday afternoon as the earthquake ripped through the small town of Seddon, near Kaikoura, at a depth of 17 kilometres.

Some felt the quake from as far as Christchurch, almost 500 kilometres away

The intensity and depth of the quake was described as 'severe' after it hit, 35 kilometres northeast of Seddon, according to GeoNet.

Some residents reported feeling the ground shake for 15 seconds. 

Residents in Blenheim, French Pass, Paraparaumu, Picton, Seddon and Wellington all felt the earthquake.

Locals have been asked to remain indoors during the quake and to 'drop, cover and hold' during each tremble.