Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island, has been closed to the public after a massive earthquake, 7.1 magnitude, crumpled roads and buildings in the Canterbury area.
Central Christchurch has been completely cordoned off to the public such was the damage, New Zealand’s One News reported.
Civil Defence Headquarters has called a state of emergency, activating the national crisis centre, as reports surfaced of collapsed buildings, cracks in bridges and roads, crushed cars and disrupted water and sewage pipes.
While there have been no deaths reported to date, a number of injured have presented at Christchurch Hospital, Radio New Zealand reported.
The quakes epicentre was about 55 km (35 miles) north-west of Christchurch and at a depth of 12k (7.5 miles.)
