Fatalities confirmed after major quake

Source: TV NZ
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/multiple-deaths-reported-police-4038278

Civil Defence has confirmed there have been deaths following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch this afternoon.

However, John Hamilton, Civil Defence Director, said he could not say how many people have died until police have completed their investigations.

A police media release earlier said: "Multiple fatalities have been reported at several locations in the central city, including two buses crushed by falling buildings."

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English said police would update this information when they can.

He emphasised the government's commitment to do everything it can to assist the people of Canterbury.

Prime Minister John Key, who is on his way to Christchurch following an emergency cabinet meeting, has taken up the offer of search and rescue personnel from Australia.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has declared a state of emergency. Police and the Defence Force are completing an evacuation of the central city.

South Island hospitals are preparing for hundreds of injured patients.

Phone lines are down and electricity is out. Pipes have burst.

Around 150 people are trapped inside the 13-storey Forsyth Barr building on the corner of Armargh and Colombo streets.

Fire Station Officer Peter McCardle said 30 people have been rescued. They do not expect it to come down but cranes and possibly a helicopter are likely to be needed.

The central city is being evacuated with widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Multiple buildings have collapsed, there are fires in buildings in the central city and people are trapped.

Civil Defence HQ in Wellington is on level 3 - its highest level for a domestic incident. They say they are struggling to reach staff in Christchurch.

The shock was at a depth of just 5km, centred 10km south-east of the city.

The Christchurch Cathedral has been badly damaged by the quake.

Mayor Parker said he was thrown across the room by the quake which was "very, very strong".

He said there would be "bad news coming out of today".

He said he knew of people injured and had unconfirmed reports of serious injuries.

Witnesses are reporting a strong smell of gas and clouds of dust in the CBD, all exits from the city have been blocked.

Roads are jammed with people trying to get out of the CBD.

'Airspace closed'

There are a number of reports that the airspace over New Zealand has been closed due to the disaster.

Civil Defence (CD) says Christchurch Hospital is operational but several rest homes are being considered for evacuation.

CD says temporary accommodation is currently being organised for those displaced after the quake, they are looking at erecting tents in Hagley Park.

The Ministry of Education website says they are unaware of how many schools or early childhood centres have suffered damage or injury to students, children or staff.

National Fire Commander Mike Hall said an assessment was due at 3pm as to whether international help is called for.

Labour leader Phil Goff tweeted: "Paintings falling down, plaster coming off of the walls, roof tiles falling down - scary stuff. Bigger than the last one."

Goff says all construction workers have been asked to go into the CBD to help with emergency support.

Vodafone and Telecom are urging customers to avoid overloading the network with calls, asking them to text message instead.

The quake has been felt as far away as Wellington and Invercargill.

International response

Messages are already starting to come in with Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan saying the thoughts of Australians are with the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

"We hope that there is good news," he told parliament, referring to reports of multiple casualties and extensive damage to the city's buildings.

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said there were deep concerns about the loss of life and serious injuries.

"For the people of Christchurch this just isn't fair," he told the National Press Club in Canberra, ahead of his address on foreign policy.

"The damage is large, it's the middle of the working day, and the earthquake has not been deep from the surface."

Rudd referred to Australia's solidarity for its Kiwi friends at "a horrible time" for the people of Christchurch.

The earthquake is receiving a lot of coverage from international media.