Magnitude 6.8 quake hits New Zealand south island

WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck New Zealand's south island today, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake was centered 64 miles west-northwest of Queenstown, New Zealand, and 439 miles southwest of Wellington, the USGS said.

It occurred at 7:29 am EDT 1759 hrs IST today, which was 1:29 am local time on Tuesday at the epicenter.

Police on south island said the quake had been widely felt, but there qwere no reports of damage or injuries.

REUTERS SKB PM1957