Damage to historic sites an extra blow for grieving Christchurch.

Strong winds that were set to hit Christchurch this afternoon did not eventuate, but residents are warned that they should secure loose roofs and beware of the threat of falling masonry.

It could be weeks, possibly longer, before Rugby World Cup organisers are able to make a decision.

Damaged Cathedral becomes a rallying point for the people of a hurt and devastated city.

There are many ways that you can help in the wake of yesterday's devastating Christchurch earthquake.

It's obvious that mere amateurism will not help our second-largest city up on its feet this time.

Jovy Servitillo knew she was in trouble - she was on the 23rd floor of the tallest building in Christchurch.

At least one Australian "family man" is among the Christchurch earthquake dead and the Australian government has warned the public to brace for more bad news.

At least 14 people are missing from two companies in the Pyne Gould building in Christchurch tonight.

A woman trapped in rubble left a harrowing message for her son, in which she said she didn't think she would survive.

Police have abandoned all hope of finding survivors at the collapsed Canterbury TV building in central Christchurch, with a police chief saying he was "100 per cent" certain those trapped inside were dead.

In an emotional reunion, a woman trapped for more than 25 hours in a cramped, dark space in the destroyed PGG building has finally been rescued and reunited with her worried husband.

Two aftershocks have struck 20km west of Christchurch this morning, GNS Science is reporting.

A banker says the total cost of damage from the Canterbury earthquake will be nearly a billion dollar higher than Government estimates.

The Earthquake Commission's stage two report shows thousands of homes need to be demolished or repaired following September's Canterbury Earthquake.