SCENES FROM THE EARTHQUAKE THAT STRUCK NEW ZEALAND

A powerful earthquake struck the east coast of New Zealand's South Island near Christchurch Monday, killing at least two people, on top of causing severe destruction to local buildings and roads.

The U.S. Geological Survey has put the earthquake, which struck early Monday morning New Zealand time, at 7.8 on the Richter scale, while New Zealand's GeoNet measured it at a magnitude of 7.5.

Since the earthquake took place, the country has been on high alert, with aftershocks being felt throughout the region, including a quake which measured 6.3 on the Richter scale, according to GeoNet.

This isn't the first time New Zealand has been shaken up by a powerful earthquake. In 2011, Christchurch was left devastated after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the city, killing 185 people.

Here are some of the scenes of devastation from the latest quake and its aftershocks.