Officials in New Zealand have confirmed that 55 victims of the earthquake have been identified, and 20 more remain unidentified. Up to 300 more people are missing.
15 survivors have been found in a crushed, six-storey office building in the last hour, after a camera was lowered into the rubble.
Hundreds of rescue workers have been systematically checking the centre of Christchurch for more survivors whilst the armed forces have set up a cordon around the city centre to deter looting.
New Zealand's Prime Minister, John Key has declared a national state of emergency.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake caused extensive damage largely due to it's shallow depth of only 5km, and the fact that the epicentre coincided with one of the oldest areas of central Christchurch.
24 Hour emergency helpline: 0800 779997
New Zealand Red Cross Person Enquiry Line: 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276) - for people in New Zealand concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch.
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