A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred 10km south-east of Christchurch at 12:51, February 22, 2011. Depth 5km.

Considerable damage has occurred in the Christchurch CBD and in Lyttelton. Rescue work is likely to take days to complete. A large number of people have been pulled alive from collapsed buildings. Resources are being deployed from around the country and overseas to provide support.

National State of Emergency Declared.

The P.M. Mr. John Key has announced that Cabinet agreed with the decision made under Civil Defence legislation to declare a national state of emergency. The declaration highlights the seriousness of the situation - more so even than the 4 Sept 2010 quake.

HELP LINES:
Government help line:

Ministry of Social Development's Government help line 0800 779 997 for information about all government services and support.

Donations:
People wanting to contribute are encouraged to contribute financially ONLY. (No donations of goods or services at this time please).

Cash donations to:
Red Cross: www.redcross.org.nz/donate

Salvation Army: 0800 53 00 00 (Specify: 'Canterbury Earthquake Appeal').

Any ANZ Bank branch: Account no: 01-1839-0188939-00

Any National Bank branch: Account no: 06-0869-0548507-00

Any Westpac Bank branch: Account no: 03-0207-0617331-00

Any ASB Bank branch: Account no: 12-3205-0146808-00

Any BNZ Bank branch: Account no: 02-0500-0982004-000

Any Kiwibank branch: Account no: 38-9009-0759479-00

People in New Zealand concerned about friends and relatives in Christchurch should call 0800 733 276.

People enquiring from outside NZ should call +64 7 850 2199.

You can also email the Red Cross: [email protected]