New Zealand has experienced a powerful aftershock following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit the country on Monday. Experts say that it is difficult to determine the number of casualties at this time and more aftershocks may follow.

Just about after midnight, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the coastal community of Kaikoura, some 55 miles (93 kilometers) northeast of Christchurch city. CNN News reported that the tremor triggered waves of 2.49 meters above usual tide levels, which is reported to be the highest seen in 38 years.

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The powerful aftershocks left several communities with power and water outage, with reports of injuries and collapsed buildings. Gizmodo reported that the Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key has confirmed two deaths, but other casualties are yet to be determined.

Hours after the quake, New Zealand officials also reported that a slip dam caused by the tremor had blocked the Clarence River, sending a wall of water downstream. Four faults have also been found to be ruptured due to the earthquake, with one appearing to have slipped as much as 33 feet (10 meters).

More aftershocks are expected, and a warning has been issued to the citizens of New Zealand in advance to have them prepare for necessary precautions. Residents around the Clarence River were advised to move to higher grounds.

Back in 2011, the city of Christchurch suffered from a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that killed 185 citizens. According to Dan Jaksa, a duty officer from Geoscience Australia, "Every time you go up one magnitude, say from 6.3 to 7.3, it is 32 times larger in terms of the energy released."