The earthquake that struck Christchurch during lunch hour yesterday was an aftershock seismologists hoped would never come.

North Island hospitals are receiving Christchurch earthquake victims and plan to send specialists to help in the devastated city.

At least 100 people remain trapped in the ruins of Christchurch tonight following a devastating earthquake which claimed at least 65 lives.

Hope amongst the rubble of a collapsed multi-level office block on Madras Street as a woman buried by rubble is dug out alive after Christchurch's devastating earthquake.

A second huge quake has devastated the homes and lives of Cantabrians. Send your messages of support to those affected by the devastating quake.

Christchurch famililes take refuge around Christchurch.

The destruction around central Christchurch after the magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

Residents of the town at the epicentre of today's devastating aftershock have told of terrifying ordeals as the ground crumbled around them.

Several appeals have been launched to help Cantabrians following today's devastating earthquake. ANZ launched an appeal and announced it would make the first donation, $1 million.

Darkness, rain and temperatures are falling on Christchurch with people still trapped in buildings crumpled by a massive earthquake. So far, 65 people have been confirmed dead with the toll expected to rise.

The magnitude 6.3 earthquake that devastated Christchurch was strong enough to shake 30 million tonnes of ice.

Today's deadly Christchurch earthquake could be a sign of further devastation to come, with one seismologist warning that it had increased the likelihood of a large earthquake hitting Wellington.

Dramatic tales of survival are beginning to emerge from today's devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Aerial photos reveal the damage to buildings and shows flooding and rubble lining the streets of Christchurch.

The Christchurch earthquake death toll already ranks among the highest in New Zealand disaster history.