Powerful 7.4 quake hits New Zealand's South Island

Wellington, New Zealand -- A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck much of New Zealand's South Island early Saturday. No tsunami alert was issued and there were no reports of injuries, but looters broke into some damaged shops in Christchurch, police said. The quake, which hit 19 miles west of the southern city of Christchurch, shook a wide area with some residents there saying buildings had collapsed and power was severed.