Christchurch quake: Wednesday Feb 23

Published: 3:04AM Wednesday February 23, 2011 Source: ONE News

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  A landslip crushes buildings in Sumner - Source: Getty Images

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  • John Key declares national state of emergency 11.15am Feb 23 ()

Live updates following Tuesday's fatal 6.3 magnitude quake that struck Christchurch

Send information and pics to news@tvnz.co.nz or call 0800 886397.
Official missing people hotline: 0800 RED CROSS, 0800 733 276. Overseas: +64 7 850 2199

1.01am: A firefighting team has moved into the collapsed CTV building to put out a fire in the basement. Diggers are clearing rubble at the back of the collapsed building. Search and Rescue workers have been deployed elsewhere and there is no sign of them returning, Civil Defence told ONE News. They are working in areas "where there is more hope", a Civil Defence spokesman said.

12.49am: An Australian woman who was trapped under her desk in the Pyne Gould building is now recovering in hospital. Ann Vos phoned a TV station to say she was trapped under tonnes of concrete, glass and steel.

12.39am: A 4.1 magnitude aftershock struck at 12.12am at a depth of 8km 10 km east of Christchurch.

12.24am: Telecom is bringing in another 33 generators overnight and setting up three more mobile sites to help improve capacity.

12.12am - The confirmed death toll stands at 75 with 300 people missing. Central Christchurch sits under curfew tonight with police and the army patrolling the streets. Telecommunications companies have repeated their call for people to continue to use text messages instead of calling on mobile phones when contacting people in Christchurch.

11.45pm: Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has named one of the victims as Owen McKenna, who was in his mid-40s and from County Monaghan, national broadcaster RTE said. He had been married to a New Zealand woman, and had been living here for several years, it was reported. A man originally from Northern Ireland is also believed to have died in the quake, RTE said.

11.42pm: There has been an unconfirmed report that a road in Sumner has been evacuated due to rock fall risk. The road is Kinfey Terrace in Clifton Hill.

11.32pm: Another aftershock, this time 2.7 at a depth of 2km, 10 km south of Christchurch.

11.26pm: Three aftershocks, registering 3.6, 3.2 and 3.5, within the space of nine minutes have been recorded.

11.14pm: The Crusaders are expected to remain in Christchurch rather than travel to Wellington for Saturday's Super Rugby clash with the Hurricanes. It is understood the match will be deemed a draw. A decision of a meeting between Crusaders and officials from tournament organiser SANZAR will be released tomorrow.

11.06pm: A Filipino man who had been in New Zealand for three days is believed to be one of 12 people from the Philippines understood to be inside the collapsed CTV building. John Chua came to New Zealand to study English, his brother in law said.

11.01pm: Two of New Zealand's Cricket World Cup party are expected to briefly leave India to assess the damage caused to their homes. Dayle Shackel and trainer Bryan Stronach have both requested to return to New Zealand for a short time, New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said.

10.50pm: Tonight's overnight low in Christchurch is expected to be 8 degrees Celsius with a high tomorrow of 22 degrees Celsius.

10.40pm: Police and army are patrolling the central city streets. Police have vowed to arrest anyone found within the four bordering avenues without valid identification.

10.32pm: Dramatic footage has been shot by rescuer Craig Robertson of a successful rescue operation from inside the Pyne Gould building.

10.27pm: Regular aftershocks are continuing. The latest was 3.4 magnitude and was recorded at 10.13pm at a depth of 9km within 5km of Lyttelton.

10.24pm: The confirmed death toll remains at 75 with 300 people missing. Fifty per cent of Christchurch is without power.

10.10pm: A digger has moved in the collapsed CTV building.

10.08pm: The last recorded aftershock was 3.2 magnitude at 7.08pm within 5km of Lyttleton at a depth of 7km.

9.54pm: Telecommunications companies have repeated their call for people to continue to use text messages instead of calling on mobile phones when contacting people in Christchurch. There are still disruptions to Christchurch's cell phone network.

9.31pm: A number of police and rescue dogs are back at the CTV building, ONE News' Simon Dallow reports. However police are refusing to confirm if a search at the building has resumed. Smoke is still billowing from the site.

9.30pm: The Wellington City Council has been inundated with offers to house those who have been evacuated from Christchurch.
Hundreds of people - mainly foreign tourists - have been flown into Wellington by the RNZAF.

9.23pm: Philippines news group ABS-CBN is reporting that at least 12 Filipinos are believed to be trapped inside the collapsed CTV building. Philippine Consul General in Wellington Marcos Punsalang said consulate officials will fly to Christchurch tomorrow and set up an operations centre near the CBD.

9.17pm: The Canterbury District Health Board is calling for all staff able to work to come in if they are able and says it will pay for any child care needed.

9pm: Lyttelton Port hopes to be able to handle container ships within three to four days and oil tankers within 48 hours. "An assessment of container assets is that wharves have held up well, but there are urgent minor works to be done," the company said today. Lyttelton is a major South Island port and its customers include coal miner Solid Energy and Fonterra. 

8.49pm: The full extent of damage to sporting facilities around Christchurch is becoming more apparent. QE 2 Stadium has suffered extensive damage, while liquefaction has caused major problems to the playing surface at AMI Stadium. It may not be ready to host rugby for another 5 and a half months. Canterbury tennis boss Dave Blackwell says Wilding Park, which was hosting an international tournament at the time of the quake, is also in a very bad state. A decision is yet to be made on whether the Crusaders will travel to Wellington to face the Hurricanes this weekend.

8.43pm:  The Canterbury District Health Board says contingency plans are working well at Christchurch Hospital, which is fully operational and receiving patients.  The DHB is urging people to boil all water, even if it has come from a water tanker.

8.33pm: Around 80% of Christchurch remains without water tonight.

To recap 8:19pm
- two streets in Sumner are being evacuated by police after  engineers found cracks in a nearby hillside.
- power is out at 50% of homes.
- police believe there are no survivors at the CTV building.
- a curfew is now operating in the Christchurch CBD from the four avenues inwards. Anyone caught there will be arrested.
- the 26 storey Hotel Grand Chancellor building is in grave danger of collapsing.
- schools and early childhood centres will remain closed until further notice.
- death toll stands at 75, with 300 missing.

8.16pm: Education Minister Anne Tolley says schools and early childhood services in Christchurch City and the Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts will remain closed until further notice. She said the ministry has assembled a team in Christchurch to co-ordinate support for schools, early childhood services and private training establishments. She said it was too early to give an estimate of damage to schools. There are no reports of injuries at the schools at the moment.

8.12pm: ONE News' Simon Dallow says there are signs the search at the CTV building may be resuming. Three or four search and rescue officers with dogs have been seen back at the site. The operation there was halted earlier today with operation commander Dave Lawry saying he was "100%" sure no one could have survived the collapse of the building and ensuing fire at the site.

8.07pm: Christchurch weather update: Rain is expected to continue this evening but fizzle out overnight. The temperature is 13 degrees Celcius at the moment. It is expected to drop to 8 degrees overnight and reach 22 degrees tomorrow.

8.05pm: The Prime Minister says the government is doing everything it can to help families in Japan who are worried about missing students. More than a dozen students are feared to be still inside the CTV building, which housed an English language school. John Key says the government is dealing with the Japanese ambassador.

7.58pm: Houses on Kinsey Terrace and the Clifton Hill areas of Sumner have been evacuated as a precaution after cracks were noticed on a nearby hillside. Engineers are checking the area now. Residents are being told to stay with friends or family, or go to welfare centres.

7.43pm: JP Morgan has estimated the earthquake will cost $16 billion, while Westpac has predicted that the Reserve Bank will would slash the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 2.5% at its monetary policy statement on March 10, and would not raise the rate again until 2012.

Credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service says there is no need to reconsider New Zealand's Aaa credit rating.

7.38pm: Australia has given a $5 million contribution, which would be going to the Red Cross.

7.32pm:  Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden has expressed sympathy to the people of Christchurch. He said it is too early to talk in any detail about implications for the Rugby World Cup in Christchurch and any assessment must wait while the rescue efforts take priority. "A detailed evaluation of this nature will take place as soon as is reasonably possible. We are mindful of the pressure the people of Christchurch are under right now and do not want to place any more demands on them," said Snedden.

7.31pm: Air New Zealand flights out of Christchurch to Auckland and Wellington have sold out for Thursday and Friday. Air NZ says it is reassessing its capacity to add more flights.

7.29pm: A Mayoral fund has been set up for donations. The BNZ account number is: 02-0800-084958-000

7.26pm: Immigration New Zealand is issuing automatic six month visa extensions for any foreign national whose work, visitor or student visa application cannot be processed because of the Christchurch earthquake, says Jonathan Coleman, Minister of Immigration.

7.17pm: The Christchurch Council has updated information and advice for people in Christchurch.

7.12pm: Dr Mark Quigley told ONE News the liquefaction in eastern parts of the city is "even worse" than after the September 4 quake. He said largeboulders have come down from the Port Hills, some half the size of cars. There are many still in precarious positions, he said.

7.06pm: St John are responding to increases in heart problems, chest pains, breathing problems and traumatic injuries such as brain injuries, chest and limb injuries and crush injuries.

7.05pm: Parker said the repair is going to be much larger than September 4. He said: "One of the things that makes this really hard is that it takes us back... So it's harder to look for the silver lining right at this moment."

He said the day will come "when as a city we start to contemplate what we have to do and how we inspire ourselves to move forward again."

Parker said the city has a chance to "rise, phoenix-like in a sense, out of the blow that we have been dealt."

6.55pm: Mayor Bob Parker says the September 4 earthquake now feels like a "bizarre rehearsal" compared to yesterday's quake.

6.50pm: About 900 tourists have so far been evacuated from Christchurch to Wellington following the earthquake. Many have left behind passports and possessions.

6.46pm: Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, the US, Japan, and the UK are all sending assistance including search and rescue teams to Christchurch.

6.40pm: The Ministry of Social Development has made hundreds of calls to the elderly in Christchurch. Minister Paula Bennett says often the elderly live alone and can be forgotten.

6.33pm: Countdown stores currently trading include: Countdown Avonhead, Countdown Kaiapoi, Countdown Northwood,Countdown Hornby, Countdown Rangiora, Countdown Ashburton, Countdown Church Corner, Countdown Northlands.

Countdown stores currently closed include Countdown Bush Inn, Countdown Colombo Street, Countdown Eastgate, Countdown Ferrymead, Countdown Moorhouse, Countdown New Brighton.

6.29pm:  Superintendent Dave Cliff says there are 65 deceased within the temporary mortuary but there are other locations around city where others are known to be lying.

"One of the most deeply emotional sites for us has been the CTV building. Our staff have been working tirelessly with the fire service over 24 hours trying to get people freed if they were possibly there ... there is a deep emotion there. They were touching some of the deceased and having to walk away. It's definitely affected our staff."

Around 80 percent of Christchurch remains without water tonight following yesterday's devastating earthquake

6.18pm: John Key says the numbers he has are still 75 confirmed deaths, but there are other places where it's likely there are more fatalities.

"It's a very tragic situation and it's a time of great agony," Key said. "Last time there was a sense of people wanting to get back and put the pieces back together... this time it's like people are just reflecting and taken stock"

He said it was important not to underestimate the scale of damage. "For the country, this is a big bill ... in the end the country will pay a high price"

His message to Cantabrians: "Most of all I think they should take stock of the fact that New Zealanders and people right around the world will do whatever they can to support them."

6.14pm: A total of 77 Auckland Council staff have been redeployed to Christchurch, including 25 building inspectors, 22 emergency response staff and 12 engineers.
 
6.12pm: Cantabrians with urgent medical needs can visit a GP free-of-charge until tomorrow night. The Pegasus 24 hour medical centre in Bealey Avenue is open today, as is the Moorhouse Medical Centre and the Riccarton Clinic and after hours Centre.

5.58pm: The Fire Service has given a breakdown of the situation in various buildings across Christchurch:

There are seven confirmed buildings with persons trapped. These include:

CTV Building - 24 Rescued, 7 deceased, 22+ still missing
PGG Building - 24 Rescued, 7 believed trapped (from dogs barking at human presence).
Christchurch Cathedral - 22 missing, approx 20 dead (expected). Building is dangerous and can not be entered. There will be a review in the morning.
The Press building - 4 rescued ,1 deceased. Probably more
Smith City Car Park - Building dangerous, dogs have not sniffed out any live bodies.
St Asaph/Colombo - 6 confirmed dead from debris collapsed onto two buses
92 - 95 Cashel Street (Bakery) - 3 confirmed dead

The Fire Service says the numbers are still changing

5.56pm: The New Zealand-US Council says all delegates and staff who were attending a partnership forum in Christchurch are safe.

5.53pm: Black Caps' physio Dayle Shackel and trainer Bryan Stronach are expected to leave India and return home briefly to assess the damage to their respective homes.

5.49pm: The government can absorb the cost of Christchurch's devastating earthquake, Finance Minister Bill English says. "It is a setback but we can handle it. These are bigger costs, but we are in a sound enough position to handle it," English said.

5.47pm: More than 30 patients are en route to Dunedin hospital to make room in Christchurch Hospital for quake victims.

5.44pm: The Pipitea Marae in Thorndon and Te Raukura waka on the Wellington waterfront have been opened to accommodate people from Christchurch. It's expected over 1000 people, mainly tourists will pass through the capital tonight. Wellington Maori Leader, Professor Sir Ngatata Love says people will be provided with accommodation meals and support whether it's overnight or the evening.

5.39pm: Rolleston Prison is being emptied so accommodation can be provided for volunteers. Corrections minister Judith Collins says Christchurch men's and women's prisons are fine.
Prisoners will be taken to other jails. The prison has 320 beds, water and sewage facilities.

5.37pm: The crew aboard the HMNZS Canterbury is preparing more than 700 meals for the people of Lyttelton, Governor's Bay and Diamond Harbour. At Burnham Military Camp, chefs are delivering 750 meals into the city for police, fire and defence staff.

5.35pm: Federated Farmers has set up a special hotline for members of the rural community who have spare rooms to offer displaced quake victims, emergency service workers etc. The number is 0800 farming (0800 327 646).

5.29pm: A tour of Christchurch's CBD on a police bus shows the devastation throughout the city.

5.24pm: Mitchell Brown of Urban Search and Rescue says its teams have now been supplemented by the NSW taskforce. The Queensland team has also just arrived. Japan, US and Taiwan teams are also en route.

To recap 5:17pm
- death toll stands at 75, with 300 missing.
- police believe there are no survivors at the CTV building.
- there is a restricted access zone inside the four avenues from 6.30pm. Anyone caught there will be arrested.
- a woman has been pulled alive from the PGC building.
- The 26 storey Hotel Grand Chancellor building is in grave danger of collapsing.

- 5.15pm: The NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that the severely damaged Lyttelton tunnel canopy must be demolished. The agency is this afternoon arranging for the specialist staff and machinery required to safely carry out the demolition work. Removal of the canopy is expected to begin tomorrow and be completed within 48 hours.

Alternate access to Lyttelton is available for private vehicles via local roads, the NZTA is urging people to avoid all non-essential travel in order to keep the roads as clear as possible for emergency services.

5.10pm: Pyne Gould Corporation chieg executive Geoff Greenslade has been to the PGC building where people remain trapped. "There is 14 staff across the Pyne Gould Corporation Group that are currently unaccounted for." He said that's a considerable drop in the numbers trapped from this morning.

5.08pm: The 0800 779997 government helpline has now taken more than 7,000 calls. It will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

5.07pm: The welfare centre in Hagley park will close this evening, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.
"The welfare centre at Burnside High remains open, with the new addition of Cowles Stadium which is open now and Pioneer Stadium which will be open from 6 o'clock this evening," says Ms Bennett. People are being shifted by bus out of Hagley Park to other welfare centres.

5.06pm: Federated Farmers is appealing for anyone with spare portable water tankers to get in touch. It has already teamed up with Fonterra to deliver 200 thousand litres of water to Christchurch and is planning to get five more times that in.

5.01pm: The following locations are distributing water in addition to the six primary schools. There is a water tanker located in Hagley Park at the Harper Ave end, all other locations are pumping stations:

- Hagley Park (Harper Ave end)
- 67 Aston Drive
- 21 Grassmere St
- Corner of Hills Rd and Akaroa St
- 56 Glenroy St
- Intersection of Kerrs Rd and Woodham Rd
- 395 Worcester St (just east of Fitzgerald)
- 447 Montreal (just south of Bealey - in cordon)

The schools are: Redcliffs, Phillipstown, South New Brighton, Shirley, Wainoni, Lyttelton Main.

4.55pm: Carter says he is "very confident" people who need help in the outer suburbs are getting help. "Our hospitals are coping very well".

Seventeen people have been admitted to intensive care.

4.50pm: Carter says it is still too soon to speculate on the number of deaths.

4.45pm: Today is the first time in New Zealand's history a national state of emergency has been declared, Civil Defence Minister John Carter says. The declaration means that whatever steps that need to be taken to ensure people's safety, can be taken, says Carter. It also means John Hamilton, as national director of Civil Defence, is directly in charge of the situation.

4.42pm: The queue of people wanting to get petrol from Shell in Belfast is reported to be more than a kilometre long. People are also waiting up to an hour before being able to buy essentials from the supermarket in Rangiora.

4.42pm: Fonterra has today donated $1 million dollars to the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

4.34pm: There are fears that if the 26 storey Hotel Grand Chancellor building does collapse, it wil have a shockwave affect and collapse other buildings.

4.21pm: Lawry says there is still a real fear the Hotel Grand Chancellor building could collapse. It is "significantly structurally damaged", says Lawry.

4.17pm: Operation commander Dave Lawry says he does not believe the CTV site is "survivable". He said there were a number of overseas students in it. "We'll do our absolute best for your people".

He said he would not "risk my staff for people I believe there is no chance of survivability." When asked how certain he was that people in the building could not have survived, he replied "100%".

4.14pm: There are still 300 people reported missing, says Cliff.

Cliff says people should call 0800 RED CROSS is they have reported someone missing who has since been found.

4.12pm: Sixty-five bodies are being held at the Central Police Station, says Cliff. Their identities have not been confirmed.

4.10pm: Superintendent Dave Cliff says there have been six arrests for theft and burglary today. People are again being told to stay away from the CBD. There is a restricted access zone from the four avenues from 6.30pm.

4.08pm: Button says Pioneer Stadium, one of the two new welfare centres announced earlier today, has been deemed not useable. Cowles Stadium (at 170 Pages Road, Aranui) is still available.

4.05pm: Christchurch Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button is reiterating pleas for Christchurch residents to stay off the roads and use water sparingly.  Water needs to be boiled for at least 3 minutes to kill bacteria, she says. "We've got far more damage with waste water.. they don't want anybody flushing their toilets under any circumstances - even if your water is back on."

To recap 4:03pm
- death toll stands at 75, with 300 missing
- Search and rescue teams from the CTV building have been redeployed to the PGC building
- there are fears the 26 storey Hotel Grand Chancellor building could collapse
- temporary morgue facilities set up have been moved to Burnham Military Camp for capacity reasons
- major damage to power infrastructure
- water and sewerage services disrupted
- phone networks under pressure
- PM vows Christchurch will be rebuilt

4pm: Forty-five Christchurch home-dialysis patients will be arriving in Auckland by flight this evening and provided with accommodation in the region and ongoing dialysis.

Home dialysis is not possible in Canterbury at present because the water supply is spoiled.

3.58pm: A magnitude 4.0 aftershock struck at 3.43pm, 10 km south of Christchurch. It was 5km deep.

3.57pm: Telecom is bringing in three additional cell sites on wheels to help boost mobile coverage and capacity to support ongoing relief work.

3.56pm: AMI Stadium, QE2 Stadium and Wilding Park are among the facilities to suffer extensive damage in Christchurch. A ground inspection of AMI Stadium is to be carried out this afternoon, but the playing surface is said to resemble a ski field.

3.55pm: Problems which affected the Eftpos system following yesterday's earthquake have been resolved and the network is now fully operational, says Paymark.

3.54pm: All Black Cory Jane is putting some items up for auction on Trade Me as part of the fundraising effort. Jane says he'll put up his purple boots and a signed Hurricanes jersey in the hope of making as much money as possible.
Ben Sigmund has been talking to Wellington Phoenix management about what they can do, while ex-Black Cap Iain O'Brien is auctioning some shirts.
The Breakers will wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence at tonight's basketball game against Gold Coast.

3.52pm: Foodstuffs has a list of its open supermarkets here .

3.50pm: Jetstar has recommenced its scheduled domestic and international operations to/from the Christchurch Airport. Jetstar.com will be regularly updated with the latest information.

3.46pm: From the Civil Defence website: GNS Science advises that there may be more magnititude 5 or greater aftershocks in the next few days

3.44pm: Barrington supermarket is open but very busy.

3.43pm: Telecom NZ is asking people with unwanted corded landline (analogue) phones to donate them to any Telecom store.

3.42pm: The Lion Foundation has confirmed $5 million of additional support for the people of Christchurch.  

3.33pm: National Fire Commander Mike Hall has explained to ONE News the decision to redeploy search and rescue teams from the CTV building to the PGC building.

"There was major collapse there [at the CTV building] and a fire yesterday and we had to deal with the fire first of all. Then we started to make our way into the debris with a specialist Urban Search and Rescue teams. They've been woking through the night and this morning they've found that they've gone as far as they could given the state of the collapse of the building... for that reason we've moved the specialist component of the Fire Service URAR team out of there and moved them around to the Pyne Gould Guiness (PGC) where we knew there were people trapped and still alive."

3.31pm: People are being urged to give money to Christchurch, not blankets. Emergency Management Southland has issued a plea to those organising local appeals not to donate blankets, clothes or children's toys.
3.29pm: Timaru Hospital is starting to notice a rush of extra patients from Christchurch. Twelve patients have arrived so far.

3.27pm: Civil Defence is reminding all Christchurch people to take care of themselves and their neighbours and family during the aftershocks from yesterday's shallow and devastating earthquake.

Water is still a serious concern and CD strongly advises people to conserve water. People are being told to collect rain water in buckets and continue to boil tap water.

3.23pm: SkyCity will turn the Sky Tower red tonight in support of the Red Cross appeal in response to yesterdays quake. 

3.21pm: Two new welfare centres have now been set up at Pioneer Stadium (at 75 Lyttelton Street, Spreydon) and Cowles Stadium (at 170 Pages Road, Aranui).

Hagley Park has reached full capacity, and those in need of a welfare centre are encouraged, if possible, to make their way to either Pioneer or Cowles Stadium.

3.20pm: The woman pulled alive from the PGC building has been named as Ann Bodkin Allen.

3.14pm: A text message service for people to report any information they think could help the Christchurch public has been set up.
People can send a text at no charge to 5627 - and the information will be processed, so it can go on the help website, eq.org.nz
It's designed for anyone to send advice about petrol stations, roads, supermarkets and other information - you won't receive a reply.

3.12pm: Christchurch Hospital cared for 220 major trauma patients overnight, but the total number of people injured is still unknown.

3.10pm: AMI Insurance says it has been forced to close all its branches in Christchurch because of earthquake damage. But it says its services are fully operational.

3.09pm: Below is a message from Pope Benedict XVI to Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, Bishop Barry Jones.

"The Holy Father was saddened to learn of the sudden devastation and loss of life in the city of Christchurch due to the recent earthquake.  He wishes to express his spiritual closeness to everyone who has been affected, and sends his condolences to the families of all who mourn the loss of loved ones.  Commending the deceased to the merciful love of God, His Holiness assures the people of the city and the nation of his prayers for all those who are working urgently to rescue and assist the trapped and the injured, as well as for those labouring to restore essential services.  Upon all the people of New Zealand, the Holy Father willingly invokes Almighty Gods blessings of courage and strength."

3.04pm: Air New Zealand is continuing to add additional capacity out of Christchurch to meet the high demand for people wishing to depart the city.

At the request of Civil Defence, Air New Zealand is operating a fourth wide-body aircraft to the city for the day, with a Boeing 777-200 to operate Christchurch - Wellington and then a further Christchurch -
Auckland service with tourist evacuees onboard as identified by the Civil Defence.

2.59pm: The C17 plane carrying Australian defence personnel is expected to land any minute now.

2.53pm: Rescue workers have been ordered off the CTV building site, where people are still thought to be trapped. The area has become too unstable and rescue workers have been shifted to the PGC building.

2.50pm: Reporter Ruth Wynn Williams says a cordon spanning two blocks has been put around the 26 storey Hotel Grand Chancellor building for fear it will collapse. No one is allowed in. It is understood the building, which is Christchurch's tallest building, is sinking in its foundations.

2.41pm: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs says it has received reports of a Christchurch earthquake charity scam.

2.36pm: Auckland Mayor Len Brown says more than 100 Aucklanders are on their way to Christchurch to provide specialist support.
Len Brown say the Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Coordination Centre is working directly with Wellington to deliver support.

To recap 2:32pm
- death toll stands at 75, with 300 missing
- there are fears the 26 storey Hotel Grand Chancellor building could collapse
- temporary morgue facilities set up
- major damage to power infrastructure
- water and sewerage services disrupted
- phone networks under pressure
- hospitals damaged, patients being transferred
- PM vows Christchurch will be rebuilt

2.31pm: A woman has just been pulled from the PGC building.

2.30pm: Orion says more than 60% of Christchurch customers now have power.

2.27pm: Lifeline Aotearoa says it has had a surge in phonecalls from people throughout New Zealand, who need someone to talk to. Extra volunteers have been called in to ensure lines are fully staffed.

2.25pm: The public are being advised to remain off the road where possible, as emergency services are having difficulty accessing areas around the city due to congestion.

2.21pm: All courts in Christchurch will remain closed for the rest of the week, the Ministry of Justice has announced. A ministry spokesman said there had been extensive damage to a number its workplaces in Christchurch and those undamaged had been disrupted by access and power issues.

2.19pm: A magnitude 4.2 aftershock struck Christchurch at 1:59pm. Like yesterday's it had a focal depth of just 5km and was centred 10km southeast of the city.

2.06pm: Around 100 Victoria Police officers, plus logistical support staff, will join a team of 300 Australian police in Christchurch. 

1.45pm: The military ceremony to be held at Christchurch airport today for the New Zealand soldier who died in a vehicle crash in Afghanistan has been cancelled. Private Karifi Mila's casket was met at Auckland airport yesterday by members of his family and his unit - which is based in Burnham. A private family service will be held in Auckland on Friday.

1.44pm CCTV video has surfaced of the moment the quake struck a Christchurch supermarket.

1.43pm: The CBD is being evacuated because of fears the Hotel Grand Chancellor is about to collapse.

1.40pm: The national controller from Civil Defence, David Coetzee, says the search and rescue effort is now being handled at a national level. He said a national action plan is being developed but people on the ground won't see any difference. "Hundreds of personnel have been deployed."

1.32pm: Fletcher Construction has put its residential repair programme temporarily on hold while resources are directed to emergency response.

1.31pm: There are concerns the Hotel Grand Chancellor could collapse. The 26 storey building is the tallest in Christchurch.

1.29pm: Statistics New Zealand has suspended the delivery of census forms nationwide due to the quake in Christchurch. Census general manager Carol Slappendel said the forms would not be delivered before February 25. The five yearly census is due to be held on March 8.

1.26pm: New Zealand Post has suspended all operations in Christchurch until Monday, February 28, when they will be further reviewed. The suspension includes Christchurch Mail Centre operations, postal and courier deliveries, box lobbies and PostShop Kiwibank stores. Chief executive, Brian Roche, said New Zealand Post Group premises and networks had been affected to varying degrees by the quake.

1.22pm: Health Minister Tony Ryall says triage centres are being set up at Latimer Square, Sanitarium Factory in Papanui, Spotlight Mall in Beckenham, at the Bealey Avenue medical Centre, and Princess Margaret hospital.

1.16pm: The Queen Mary II has cancelled its visit to Christchurch. The luxury cruise liner is currently docked in Sydney and will not be calling to Lyttelton as scheduled on Saturday. It will probably stop at Wellington instead, a spokesman for Cunard said.

1.12pm: New Zealand's leading investigators of earthquake damaged buildings were in central Christchurch when the quake struck and are helping with the rescue and recovery operation. Researchers from the Universities of Auckland and Canterbury were at the Holiday Inn on the corner of Cashel and High Streets for a seminar on seismic assessment of buildings when the earthquake occurred.

1.10pm: Actress Robyn Malcolm has Tweeted to say her mum had been pulled out of CTV building alive yesterday afternoon. "We are so lucky she is still alive," Malcom said.

1.01pm: Lyttelton Port has sustained damage from the earthquake and operations have been suspended while a full assessment is carried out.

12.55pm: Police Commissioner Howard Broad says rescuers have not given up searching for people in the CTV building. However a senior firefighter at the CTV site said the operation there would be a slow process. Reports of 15 people found in an air pocket were incorrect, he said. It remains a "rescue operation".

12.42pm: The Reserve Bank is working with authorities and financial institutions to ensure financial services are available to people and businesses in Christchurch. Governor Alan Bollard says the Bank is assisting in making sure there is access to financial services and that the markets remain stable.

12.39pm: Kaikoura's only petrol station has just run out of petrol.

12.38pm: Temporary morgue facilities have been set up as more bodies are found. Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean says his team is coping well with the heavy demands. He says refrigerated body storage facilities have been set up and arrangements are being made to transport bodies to Auckland for post-mortems. If necessary a Disaster Victim Identification Panel will be brought in.

12.35pm: Power supply to the west of the CBD has been restored but there is no time frame for power in eastern parts of the city due to the extensive damage to infrastructure. Many sites are working on back-up power and others are out due to exhausted back-up power sources. Generators have begun to arrive and sites are being brought back online.

12.33pm: Vodafone's mobile network in Canterbury is operational but experiencing heavy load.

12.10pm: Four rest homes have been severely damaged and the District Health Board is making plans to re-house the residents. Meals on wheels isn't available today. People are being urged to check on elderly neighbours or people who live alone and help them with meals and support.
Methadone patients whose usual pharmacy is closed should phone the Community Alcohol and Drug Service where they will be directed to their nearest pharmacy.

12.08pm: The NSW Fire Brigades boss is shocked by the level of devastation he has seen on the ground in Christchurch.Chief Superintendent Gary Picken and his team of 72 men are in Christchurch to lend a hand to exhausted local fire crews. "I heard the reports but I had no idea how bad it was. It's quite devastating."

12.05pm: BP is reopening some of its Christchurch service stations after inspection of ground based tanks and pipes and as staff return to work.

To recap 12 noon
- temporary morgue facilities set up
- major damage to power infrastructure
- water and sewerage services disrupted
- phone networks under pressure
- hospitals damaged, patients being transferred
- PM vows Christchurch will be rebuilt

11.57am: Water quality and sewerage is a massive issue, people need to boil water to avoid getting gastro illnesses.

11.53am: Canterbury DHB chief executive David Meates says Christchurch hospitals are under significant pressure and 40 patients have been transferred  to other hospitals. Many patients have major crush injuries. Very complex patients will be taken to Auckland, Waikato and Wellington. Burwood and Hilmorton have no water and sewerage and are running on emergency generators. Christchurch Hospital's acute 350 bed unit has been evacuated after sustaining a lot of damage.
The region is looking at offering free GP access over the next 24 hours. There are significant concerns about rest home facilities.

11.49am: Fonterra has delivered 200,000 litres of fresh water from its Clandeboye plant to Christchurch. The water was delivered in rail pods normally used to transport milk and Fonterra is transporting more bulk storage containers to Clandeboye. Fonterra farmers in the district have come through largely unscathed.

11.44am: Orion power company says extensive damage to roads, including submerged holes and other hidden hazards, is hampering the job of restoring power.Much of the damage is to underground cables which take longer to repair than overhead lines.

11.40am: Historic Christchurch buildings being repaired after September's quake have been damaged again. Anna Crighton from the Earthquake Heritage Building Trust says building owners and locals were only starting to come to terms with last year's quake.

11.32am: John Key says Christchurch will be rebuilt. He said yesterday's quake will be treated as a separate event to the $6-$8 billion quake in September. "On behalf of the government, let me be clear that no one will be left to walk this journey alone. New Zealand will walk this journey with you. We will be there every step of the way. "

11.24am: Bob Parker says the makeshift morgue at the police station is filling up. The morgue is being moved to Burnham army camp.

11.21am: John Key declares a national state of emergency , saying a violent and ruthless act of nature has occurred. "Today all New Zealanders grieve for you Christchurch."

11.18am: The Fire Service says they have a camera in the CTV building and know 15 people are still alive inside.

11.10am: Official death toll rises to 75 - 55 bodies in morgue, another 20 known to be coming in, with 300 missing.

11.07am: Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates says the entire health system has risen to the challenges since the quake hit. He said all Canterbury DHB Hospitals have sustained damage but are operating. "The Emergency Department has been steady this morning and seeing fewer patients, but with more serious injuries as people are freed from piles of rubble and buildings in the city."

11.04am: Hospitals around the country are on Code Red

To recap 11.00am
- one person rescued alive from the PGG building
- a large fire is still burning in the CTV building
- New Zealand Flag half-masted on all government and public buildings
- messages of support pouring in from across the world
- stranded tourists taken to Wellington
- police say prepare for a dramatic rise in the death toll
- an Australian has been confirmed among the dead
-  Emergency Helpline  0800 77 9997
- For missing people call Red Cross 0800 733 276  0800 Red Cross 

10.55am: A large fire is still burning in the CTV building.

10.47am: US President Barack Obama has expressed condolences on behalf of the American people. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives have been touched by this tragedy, especially as they search for their loved ones and work to recover from this disaster."

10.38am: John Key has ordered the New Zealand Flag is to be half-masted on all government and public buildings until further notice, as a mark of respect for the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

10.36am: The government has shelved plans to make a major announcement on state sector changes. Finance Minister Bill English had been due to deliver a speech at midday outlining further restructuring and potential staff cuts for the public service.

10:34am: The Governor General is being updated on the recovery efforts in Christchurch on an hourly basis, and will visit the city once called upon by the government. Sir Anand Satyanand left the garden city yesterday and a spokesperson said he doesn't want his presence to hamper or distract from the recovery efforts.

10.31am: Prime Minister John Key says messages of support from overseas are flooding in.

10.30am: The 0800 RED CROSS number has been overwhelmed with callers and the oprganisation is investigating setting up more phone lines and an additional call centre.

10.29am: Canterbury's Plunket Shield four-day cricket match against  Wellington has been postponed.

10.26am: Thousands of tourists fleeing Christchurch have started to arrive in the capital.

10.21am: Superintendent Dave Cliff says people need to prepare themselves for a dramatic rise in the death toll.

10.21am: Someone has been rescued alive from the Pyne Gould Guinness building, other sounds from the rubble are still being heard.

10.20am: A long-term Australian resident of New Zealand origin appears to have died in the Christchurch earthquake, Prime Minister Julia Gillard says. Details of the man's death were sketchy, she said.

10.18am: The New Zealand Rugby Union will hold a meeting later today to decide whether the Hurricanes match against the Crusaders in Wellington on Saturday night will go ahead.

10.12am: Former mayor Garry Moore says he was standing on the outskirts of Cathedral Square when the quake struck and he watched as the Cathedral spire fell. He says he has heard of many who have already left the city and he doesn't blame them but he doubts the city will empty out too much.

10.11am: The Palms Shopping Centre in Shirley will remain closed this morning.

10.00am: Deputy Prime Minister Bill English will update the House on the latest information when parliament sits at 2pm today. Party leaders will respond to that statement and the government will formally recognise Christchurch MPs as on leave until March 24. The House will be adjourned until March 8.
The Prime Minister is expected to arrive in Christchurch on an Air Force Plane at about 12.30pm.

9.51am: Air Vice Marshall Peter Stockwell says defence force personnel are helping civil defence and police. He said medical teams have been deployed and staff are helping with the security cordons. Navy ships are alongside and more personnel and vehicles are en route. A Hercules aircraft is providing transport support along with two helicopters. He said hundreds are on standby to mobilise but they have to sustain the operation for a long time. We need to manage the inflow of people and equipment so we don't flood the city.

9.50am: The Salvation Army made 2000 meals last night at the evacuation centres. An additional 60 or 70 staff are flying in from Auckland and Hamilton, while others are driving in from around the South Island. The main issue they are dealing with down with is trauma.

9.45am: The Christchurch town hall and convention centre have been badly damaged in the quake. Civil Defence says Christchurch CBD is littered with bodies.

9.40am: Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says assistance for Cantabrians is available now and welfare centres are operating at Hagley Park and Burnside High School. "More welfare centres will open as soon as buildings are declared safe to use.
The 0800 779997 helpline will operate 24 hours, providing information, advice and transferring calls through to other appropriate agencies.
"Financial assistance will also be made available to those who need it, we have the ability to provide Civil Defence emergency payments and other assistance is available," Bennett said.
Work and Income centres are open in Ashburton, Hornby and Rangiora today for emergencies only but people are advised not to travel through the city if they can avoid it and call the Helpline instead.

9.34am: Christchurch Airport is now open for domestic flights. Chief executive Jim Boult says many people have already gone to the terminal  and he is urging passengers to check before going there. He warns that if lots of people come out without confirmed flights, it will only cause delays.

9.30am: Telecom has been focusing on maintaining cell sites in the Christchurch CBD so survivors trapped in rubble can use mobiles to keep in touch with rescue teams. All its central city cells sites that remain operational have been connected to generators to keep them running. Elsewhere in Christchurch there continues to be disruption to Telecom landline and mobile services in Christchurch. Widespread power outages mean large parts of the network are still working off backup power.

9.20am: St John operations director Michael Brooke says the organisation has been pumping resource into the area and monitoring 111 calls. He said the emergency response was kicked off within minutes. "We've never seen anything like this in New Zealand." Brooke said it is harder for Christchurch based people who need to be managed carefully. "This will go on for weeks."

9.14am: Superintendent Dave Cliff says a disaster victim identification team has confirmed 39 deaths. He said they are aware of other deaths and know where some bodies are. Police will provide an official number as soon as they can. Cliff said they know people are still trapped and these are a priority.

9.12am: Orion chief executive Roger Sutton says it may be weeks before power is restored to some customers.

9.05am: United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sent her condolences to everyone affected by the earthquake, on behalf of President Barack Obama and the US people. VIP Communications is offering US customers free calls to New Zealand.

To recap 9.00am
- Cabinet to decide on declaring state of emergency
- dozens still missing, focus on live rescues
- six major search and rescue sites
- most supermarkets closed
- access to cash difficult, ATMs and banks closed
- emergency welfare payouts to be made available
- Lyttelton Tunnel still closed
-  Emergency Helpline  0800 77 9997
- For missing people call Red Cross 0800 733 276  0800 Red Cross

9.00am: Civil Defence Minister John Carter said Cabinet will be looking at whether a national state of emergency needs to be declared to ensure all resources from around the country are co-ordinated and all available support is given.

8.54am: Southland staff from all three emergency services and the Red Cross have been deployed to Christchurch to join the earthquake rescue response. Emergency Management Southland is co-ordinating requests for assistance, Advisor Craig Sinclair said.

8.45am: More than 200 people have been admitted to Christchurch Hospital's emergency department with a range of injuries. The acting head of the emergency department Mike Ardagh said some have died although most of the deaths were outside the hospital. Staff were working in the dark at times due to power cuts. Some patients have been to other hospitals around the country.

8.38am: Bob Parker says there are six primary search and rescue sites. He said it has been several hours since anyone has been pulled alive from the rubble but some bodies have been recovered. "Our focus is finding our people and getting them out of those buildings." Port-a-loos are being brought in. ATM machines are not working and emergency cash grants are being organised. "We've had six months of repairing and rebuilding and in a matter of seconds we've gone straight back to square one and further.

8.33am: Prime Minister John Key says Cabinet will decide at an emergency cabinet at 9.30 whether to declare the quake a national emergency. Parliament sittings have been suspended for the rest of the week.

8.30am: Progressive Enterprises says the earthquake has significantly disrupted operations and most of its Countdown and Foodtown supermarkets are closed. Efforts are being made to get them open. All staff have been accounted for and injuries to workers yesterday were minor. Most stores have damage to stock, fittings and fixtures and some have structural damage. Online shopping services are suspended until further notice.

8.24am: Social Welfare Minister Paula Bennett says payments are available for people who need them. She said the reality is that people can't access bank accounts but the right systems are in place. She said it is a case of dealing with the here and now.

8.19am: Canterbury District Health Board chief executive David Meates says there has been a lot of infrastructure damage, resulting in wards having to be closed. He says 50 patients have been transferred to Burwood and Princess Margaret Hospitals.

8.13am: Christchurch City Council call centre is out of service but they are working to source an alternative service. The council website is also out of service.

8.10am: Sumner Road has reopened this morning, opening up access to Lyttelton for the first time since the quake. The Lyttelton Tunnel remains closed.

8.05am: John Key says one of the problems is debris has fallen and potentially crushed a number of people. He said there is concern about buildings collapsing on rescuers and they have to be absolutely sure it's safe.

8.00am: Reuters is reporting that a dozen Japanese students at an English language school are believed to be missing. Japan's public broadcaster NHK said several other students from another group in the building were also unaccounted for.

7.57am: Dean of Christchurch Peter Beck says the most important thing at the moment is people. He said they will deal with the damage to the cathedral in a few days - it is just too huge at the moment. He is urging people to see their neighbours, get together and help where they can. Hold them, love them and pray for them all, Beck said.

7.53am: Air New Zealand is putting on extra flights between Auckland and Christchurch this afternoon. It will operate a second return Boeing 747 service to meet the needs of family, friends and emergency services. The airline will also operate a special Airbus A320 service this afternoon from Wellington to Christchurch. Compassionate airfares are available for immediate family, both internationally and domestically.
Temporary beds are being set up in Wellington for those being evacuated from Christchurch. Positively Wellington Tourism's David Perks says accommodation in Wellington is already at full capacity but hotels are increasing that for those in need. Wellington Airport says residents have been offering accommodation and even cars for those stuck in the capital.

7.45am: British Prime Minister David Cameron says all of Britain stands with New Zealand at this dark and difficult hour. He said he has been in touch with John Key and Britain is ready to provide whatever assistance is required. A search and rescue team has already been deployed. Britain's High Commissioner is going to Christchurch and they are helping any affected British nationals.

7.40am recap:
- Revised death toll 38 but expected to rise
- 120 rescued from rubble
- Canterbury schools closed
- 80% of the city without water supply. Residents with water urged to boil it
- People advised keep travel to a minimum
- Stranded tourists being flown to Auckland and Wellington
- Emergency Helpline  0800 77 9997
- For missing people call Red Cross 0800 733 276 - 0800 Red Cross

7.40am: Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach has revealed one of their board members has been killed.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan says two of their staff members are missing. He says the New Zealand women's team had a lucky escape, leaving their hotel in the city when the quake struck.
The Black Caps are devastated by the quake and held a minute's silence at an emotional team training session in Chennai this morning. Captain Daniel Vettori says they're struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Christchurch based New Zealand cricketers Brendon McCullum and Hamish Bennett will stay on at the World Cup after turning down the option of returning home.

7.34am: The Commonwealth Secretary General has sent a message of condolence. Kamalesh Sharma has contacted John Key saying he's distressed and profoundly concerned about the earthquake. He says their  condolences go to the bereaved and he sent encouragement and solidarity to emergency services.

7.32am: The army is patrolling the streets of Christchurch and police are being brought in from all over the South Island and Auckland. Inspector Russell Gibson says there have been no arrests for issues such as looting.

7.30am: The first of the Australian search and rescue teams has touched down in Christchurch.

7.30am: Twenty people are still unaccounted for in the Pyne Gould building .

7.25am: Labour leader Phil Goff has described the scene as like the London blitz. He said the people crushed in two buses will add to the fatality toll.

7.24am: St John area commander Pete Dawson told AAP how devastating it was to see his town - Lyttelton - destroyed. "Just look at it," he said, waving his arm down London Street. "It's a mess, totally destroyed. "It's very difficult. We've lost so many of our best buildings and homes," said Dawson, himself now homeless. Dawson said two local men were killed when they were hit by falling rocks.

7.22am: Civil Defence Minister John Carter says search and rescue and health support from the USA, Britain, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan is on its way.

7.20am: Waimakariri MP Clayton Cosgrove visited damaged areas of the city overnight. He says things are being done as fast as possible but the centre of Christchurch is an absolute mess and looks like a bomb has hit it.

7.13am: John Key says the discrepancies over the death toll are around formal identification and notification of next of kin. He confirmed there are 38 bodies in the mortuary. He said the damage is more significant because there was significant sideways motion rather than up and down. The number one focus remains on the search and rescue effort, with international help.

7.09am: The United States is deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team with an Urban Search and Rescue crew. The "heavy team" will bring more than 70 specialised personnel and equipment to make live rescues.

7.06am: No public transport will be running in Christchurch today.

7.05pm: Police say anyone attempting to enter the inner city cordon will be arrested.

6.57am: SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters says it will be very difficult to postpone Saturday's Super Rugby match between the Hurricanes and the Crusaders. Peters says they are keen to ensure the Crusaders' home opener against the Waratahs remains at AMI Stadium. He says the Crusaders will want that match played at home.

6.55am: A woman with a baby in her arms died instantly when she was hit by falling debris. A passerby went to her assistance in Cashel St Mall, but she was dead when he arrived. It is not known how badly hurt the baby was.

6.44am: Gibson said there are 38 bodies in the mortuary.

6.41am: Gibson says there have been little miracles all through the night with people pulled out uninjured while others have had to have limbs amputated to get them out. He said it is a painstaking job and they can't rush the rescue work.

6.40am: Superintendent Russell Gibson says as many as 100 could be trapped. He said they are receiving text messages, hearing knocks and people crying and shouting out, asking for help.

6.37am: People are being urged to stay away from the Christchurch CBD and leave rescue missions to the experts. Bob Parker says roadways are lifelines - keep them clear.

6.36am: All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen feels helpless watching the disaster in his home town from the other side of the world. He says his family is OK and his sister gave birth to a baby boy just half an hour after the quake.

6.29am: Bob Parker says the waste water system is completely destroyed.

6.28am: Civil Defence is giving visitors to Christchurch the opportunity to relocate to Wellington to free up accommodation in Christchurch and reunite people with family. They will be flown to Wellington by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

6.19am: Bob Parker says for the next three days the city is closed for business and schools. Schools will be used as water distribution sites from 11am. People should bring their own containers.

6.15am: There has been communication with some people trapped in buildings and it is understood some are not hurt.

6.12am: Christchurch Airport will be open for domestic flights from 8am.

6.11am: DHB spokesman David Meates says they are dealing with complex issues such as spinal, cardiac and chest problems.

6.02am: The death toll is already the second highest from a New Zealand earthquake.

6.00am: The focus overnight has been on the search and rescue effort of those still trapped, rather than the recovery of the dead.

5.43am: Police say they are aware of a number of dead bodies in the PGG building on Cambridge Terrace and the CTV building on Madras and Cashel Streets.

5.41am: It is thought a large number of people are still unaccounted for in the CTV building on Madras and Cashel Streets, police say.

5.39am: Twenty-two people, including two with serious injuries, have been rescued to date from the PGG building on Cambridge Terrace. A further 22 people were believed to be still trapped.

5.37am: No-one has a list of who is missing yet, John Hamilton said.

5.35am: The revised toll is 32 confirmed dead but the Prime Minister yesterday said 65 people have died. The 32 deceased are those who have been identified. 

5.33am: The casualties have occurred in the CBD.

5.31am: John Hamilton at the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington said additional search and rescue teams were arriving today.

5.30am: Eight people have also been rescued from the CTV building on Madras and Cashel Streets

5.29am: People have been pulled alive from collapsed buildings as rescuers have continued to work throughout the night under floodlights.

5.16am: The latest race in the Ocean Swim Series will be cancelled following the quake. The race was due to take place in Lyttelton Harbour on Friday.

5.10am: Most of the 300 people at Hagley Park are tourists. They will be flown out of Christchurch on two flights. One will leave for Auckland at 6am and another to Wellington at 8am.

5.01am: A media briefing is set to be held at 5.30am.

4.48am: The International Track Meet at the QEII on Sunday is set to be postponed or cancelled altogether. Kiwi middle distance runners Nick Willis and Nikki Hamblin were due to race.

4.40am: Ninety extra St John staff will be on ground today. Seven rescue helicopters are available to transfer patients to other hospitals.

4.33am: Rescuers have been digging through rubble during the night. Dozens of people are still unaccounted for.

4.24am: Black Caps captain Daniel Vettori said the greatest thing that his team could do for Christchurch would be to defeat Australia in the upcoming World Cup match. A minute silence is expected to be held.

4.10am: People with minor injuries should self-care at home, Christchurch City Council says. People with moderate injuries should present to Princess Margaret, St Georges or Southern Cross Hospitals.

4.02am: The Crusaders are hopeful they will not have to consider a move away from AMI Stadium. Crusaders are due to face the Hurricanes in Wellington this weekend before hosting the Waratahs the following week. A contingency plan had yet to be established, Crusaders assistant coach Dave Hewett.

3.59am: An emergency cabinet meeting will be held at 9.30am. Offers of specialist teams from Japan and the United States to help find people trapped in buildings will be one of the issues discussed.

3.45am: Finance Minister Bill English said financial assistance would be available for those with homes devastated by the quake. He said people who claimed for the September 4 quake would be able to claim again.

3.33am: The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council says it is working hard with retail partners to ensure sufficient supplies remain available to people in the city.

3.24am: Quake appeals have been launched. Find out more here about how to donate.

3.15am: There is no water supply to 80 % of properties in Christchurch.

3am:Civil Defence will attempt to open more centres in Christchurch throughout the day, the city council says. The council urged people to stay at home and to undertake essential travel only.

2.58am: Rescue teams have been working through the night to find survivors. At least 120 people have been rescued to date, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said. The death toll, however, remains at 65. The rescue attempt is on six areas in the city where buildings have collapsed.

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