Christchurch quake info.

If you need help finding people in Christchurch or you can confirm the whereabouts of people, please use the above widget, provided by Google.

Use @safeinChch Twitter account also to report anyone safe that you know of or call 0800 REDCROSS if you know they have been reported missing, or to report people missing.

Use Twitter hashtag #chchAID for offers & requests of any help, shelter, water, blanket etc. I will repost all offers/req of aid here and try to keep the hashtag clear of spam.

NOTE: CBD is closed, police warn they will arrest people breaking the curfew/cordon.

50% of the city still has no safe water. Pls collect your rainwater, boil any tap water, conserve water i.e. don't flush toilets, have showers, run tap water as little as possible.

To help:
NZ donations at banks, Red Cross, Salvation Army. In Canterbury, contact Student Volunteer Army to help.

Background:

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Canterbury area at 12.51pm today - February 22. The quake, approximately 5km underground and located 10km south east of the city has caused wide spread damage, bursting sewage lines, damaging buildings and homes, cutting power and telephone lines to many areas of the city. The mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, has declared a state of emergency.