Christchurch in New Zealand is expected to continue feeling aftershocks for months or even years to come following the devastating earthquake in February.
Experts said latest tremors were beyond what might be expected following the earthquake that killed 181 people, but that more smaller tremors were likely.
Earlier today a magnitude 5.2 tremor struck at Taylors Mistake beach, six miles from the city centre. A second magnitude 6.0 quake struck an hour and 20 minutes later, shaking buildings and causing at least ten injuries.
According to seismologists aftershocks of this strength could themselves produce further tremors.
Mike Reyner, told New Zealand’s TV ONE, the magnitude of the recent shocks was unusual and the region should prepare for a series of further shocks of between three and five magnitude in the next year.
Following the latest quakes mayor Bob Parker told Radio New Zealand there were new fears for Christchurch Cathedral after damage was caused in the central area, closed off since the devastating February earthquake.
The South Island city was also hit by two shocks a week ago which cleared shop shelves. A total of 181 people died in the 6.3-magnitude quake in February, which also destroyed hundreds of buildings.
About 10,000 houses and nearly 1,000 commercial buildings will have to be demolished as a result of the February quake. Reconstruction costs are expected to total at least £7 billion.