A powerful earthquake struck the east coast of New Zealand's South Island near Christchurch Monday, killing at least two people, on top of causing severe destruction to local buildings and roads.
The U.S. Geological Survey has put the earthquake, which struck early Monday morning New Zealand time, at 7.8 on the Richter scale, while New Zealand's GeoNet measured it at a magnitude of 7.5.
Since the earthquake took place, the country has been on high alert, with aftershocks being felt throughout the region, including a quake which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, according to GeoNet.
This isn't the first time New Zealand has been shaken up by a powerful earthquake. In 2011, Christchurch was left devastated after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the city, killing 185 people.
Here are some of the scenes of devastation from the latest quake and its aftershocks.
Earthquake leaves its mark
Damage appears on the State Highway One near Ohau Point, after an earthquake struck the South Island's east coast.
Cracks appear
Cracks emerge on a road by the waterfront in Wellington, after the powerful earthquake and aftershocks.
Aftershock fills the air with dust
Following a strong aftershock, a cloud of dust appears above the Clarence River, just north of the town of Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Emergency services on alert
In New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, firemen congregate between two streets.
Glass and rubble
The footpath on Wakefield Street in Wellington, New Zealand, is covered in rubble and glass after an earthquake hit the country's South Island.
A sign of solidarity from Auckland
On New Zealand's North Island, the city of Auckland lights up the Southern Hemisphere's tallest man-made structure, the Sky Tower, in black and white as a sign of solidarity following the quake.
Inspections underway
Following a powerful earthquake, emergency services examine a bridge crossing the Waiau River, located in New Zealand's South Island.
NZ Prime Minister comforts locals
New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key, speaks to local residents of Kaikoura, located on the South Island's east coast, after an earthquake struck the region.
Local businesses damaged
Some 120 kilometers north of the city of Christchurch lies the town of Waiau, where several houses and businesses, including The Waiau Lodge Hotel, have been hit.
In search of higher ground
Following the earthquake, residents stand near the top of Mount Victoria, a hill found in New Zealand's capital city of Wellington.
Tsunami alert
After New Zealand was struck by an earthquake and several aftershocks, a sign saying "Tsunami warning: Turn radio on" is seen lit up above the State Highway 1 in Wellington. The tsunami alert has since been downgraded and cancelled by the Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management.
People await news
In Wellington's Te Aro Park, people gather awaiting further news after being evacuated from nearby buildings.