No Deaths Following Major New Zealand Earthquake

By Peter Fowler at 3 Sep 2010

No deaths have been reported after a massive earthquake wreaked destruction across New Zealand's third largest city Christchurch.

The earthquake, initially estimated at Magnitude 7.4, has been downgraded to magnitude 7.1, but the shallow depth of 33km meant it caused major structural damage to buildings and water and sewage systems have been affected. Christchurch City Council Civil Defence has declared a state of local emergency and Selwyn District Council has declared a state of local emergency.

There are no reports of deaths however there have been reports of injuries, with power outages continuing in the northwest of the city.

Water and sewage have been affected in several regions and residents are being urged to conserve water.

Christchurch hospital is functioning normally and all State highway structures are currently open to traffic, although some city roads are blocked by rubble or have been cordoned off by poilice.

Christchurch City Council and other authorities have activated its Building Safety Evaluation process. Several roads have been closed so buildings can be assessed.

Residents are being told to expect aftershocks, and each time one is felt, they should "drop, cover, and hold on."