More aftershocks hit NZ

Big aftershocks are continuing to hit the earthquake-weary city of Christchurch, raising fears that worse could be on the way. -- PHOTO: AP

WELLINGTON - BIG aftershocks are continuing to hit the earthquake-weary city of Christchurch, raising fears that worse could be on the way.

A pair of aftershocks woke many residents early on Wednesday, with the larger measuring magnitude-5.0. In the afternoon, a second smaller cluster hit.

The temblors follow Monday's 6.0 quake that caused some more buildings in the city to collapse. The city is still recovering from a devestating magnitude-6.3 quake in February that killed 181 people and shut down much of the inner city. Since then, residents have suffered through thousands of aftershocks.

Scientists say this week's series of quakes have increased to about 30 per cent the likelihood that Christchurch will suffer another devestating quake within the next year. -- AP