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.

Herald reporter Fran O'Sullivan is in Christchurch for the United States-New Zealand Partnership Forum and was having lunch in the CBD with delegates at the time of the quake.

Prime Minister John Key has told reporters that the death toll from today's magnitude 6.3 earthquake stands at 65, and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it could quite possibly double.

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.

The Government was this afternoon waiting for details of deaths in Christchurch and a second emergency cabinet meeting will be held tonight.

A seismologist says today's devastating Christchurch earthquake was the type of common large aftershock which he'd hoped the city had avoided.

The kiwi dollar plunged nearly one US cent after today's Christchurch earthquake.

At least one person is dead and more than 30 are trapped in the Pyne Gould Corp (PGC) business building in central Christchurch.

Residents are reporting bodies lying in the streets of Christchurch following this afternoon's magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

Strong aftershocks are continuing to shake Christchurch as police confirm "multiple fatalities" after a 6.3 magnitude quake hit the city this afternoon.

There have been 'multiple fatalities' after a shallow 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch this afternoon caused buildings to collapse, police have confirmed.

The iconic Christchurch Cathedral was destroyed in February 22's deadly earthquake, and up to 22 people are believed to be buried in the rubble.