" 1647 hrs Thursday 24 February 2011
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred 10km south-east of Christchurch at 12:51, February 22, 2011. Depth (focal depth): 5km. The National Crisis Management Centre has been activated and a National State of Emergency has been declared (www.beehive.govt.nz).
The Christchurch CBD and Lyttelton have suffered considerable damage with a number of collapsed or seriously damaged buildings. Aftershocks could lead to further building damage or collapse. There is a cordon around the four avenues of the CBD. Damage assessment is ongoing.
Power, telecommunications and essential services continue to be disrupted. Restoration work is progressively providing increased utility services. Extensive liquefaction throughout the impacted area has caused additional management and restoration issues.
A large number of people have been pulled alive from collapsed buildings.
Priorities for the response remain the support of the urban search and rescue operation, the treatment and care of injured or affected individuals, and the coordination of national resources in support of the local response.
National resources continue to be deployed in support of the local response.
To date, approximately 1000 persons have been moved out of Christchurch to Wellington or Auckland by the established air bridge.
Damage assessment is ongoing and over time will provide a better understanding of the extent of damage.
- To minimise loading on the telecommunications network, people should use txt messaging to check if friends and family are safe
- There are reports of widespread building collapse (especially in the central city).
- The Police Minister has confirmed 76 fatalities. This figure is expected to rise.
- Reports of missing are being collated and a verification of data is being undertaken."
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