65 dead in devastating Christchurch quake
Last updated 18:19 22/02/2011


The Baptist Church on Madras St

LATEST: Sixty-five people are confirmed dead and scores more are injured or missing after a powerful earthquake today destroyed Christchurch buildings and left entire suburbs "unliveable".

Prime Minister John Key tonight said "we may be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day" in confirming that at least 65 people were dead after a shallow 6.3 earthquake hit 10km southeast of the city just before 1pm. That quake has been followed by constant aftershocks, some as powerful as magnitude 5.

Rescuers said some people would remain trapped in buildings overnight.

Up to 500 people have set up for the night in Hagley Park, where they will be spending the night.

Hospitals around the South Island were being cleared to take the hundreds of casualties expected, while makeshift hospitals were being set up in parts of Christchurch.

The suburbs of Lyttleton and new Brighton are reportedly "unliveable".

Witnesses said screams could be heard coming from the Pyne Gould Business building where dozens of people were feared trapped.

A number of people were also trapped in the iconic Press building in Cathedral Square. Some had managed to free themselves.

People died when buses were crushed under falling building facades radio NZ reported.