Latest fromNatural Disasters

Christchurch earthquake: Welfare centre closed as illness strikes
Misery in the form of illness struck earthquake-ravaged Christchurch this afternoon, with the closure of one of the three welfare centres in the city.

Christchurch earthquake: Levels of liquefaction 300 - 500 pc worse
The level of liquefaction after Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude aftershock dwarfs the amount caused by the original earthquake that hit Christchurch in September, Mayor Bob Parker says.

Christchurch earthquake: She made it to the church on time
A young bride-to-be who narrowly escaped tragedy in the PGC building in Tuesday's deadly earthquake has tied the knot today.

Christchurch earthquake: Still no news of front page survivor
His pained, bloodied and dirt-streaked face has become one of the defining human images of the Christchurch quake and has been published in media across the globe.

Christchurch earthquake: Recovery of bodies from cathedral begins
Search and rescue workers have begun work in preparation for removing bodies from under piles of rubble at the Christchurch Cathedral.

Quake last straw for Bexley widow with autistic son
Bexley resident Jen O'Malley says Tuesday's devastating earthquake was the last straw and she can not imagine living in the area again.

Christchurch earthquake: Law change needed to cancel census
A law change will need to take place in order for this year's census to be cancelled, Statistics New Zealand says.

Petrol price rise to hit quake-ravaged Christchurch
A substantial petrol price rise is expected to increase the cost of living for earthquake-hit Christchurch residents in the coming days.

Rain making Christchurch rescue sites more dangerous
Buildings damaged in Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch are being made more unstable by rain falling in the city today, police say.

Anger at 'lowlife' earthquake-related crime
Looting and scams in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch has sparked anger and warnings from police.

Census cancelled over Christchurch earthquake
The March 8 Census has been cancelled following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson says.

Earthquake rescuers heroes - Carter
The devastation from Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch needs to be seen to be comprehended and rescue workers are doing an "outstanding job", Civil Defence Minister John Carter says.

Christchurch earthquake: Bride-to-be makes wedding from ruins of building
A bride-to-be huddled in the ruins of her office had no idea her fiance was frantically searching for her outside.

Christchurch earthquake: 'Beautiful' friend dashed back in to her death
When Jilly Murphy rushed back into a shop after the earthquake, she had one thing on her mind - her family.

Christchurch earthquake: Doctor uses hacksaw in amputation
A medical specialist used tradesmen's tools to amputate the legs of an earthquake victim.

Water restored to half of Christchurch after earthquake
Fifty per cent of Christchurch now has a basic mains water supply following Tuesday's earthquake but people should still conserve water.

Carter: Live rescues of earthquake survivors becoming unlikely
Rescuers are still looking for survivors in the rubble from Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, but the chance of more live rescues is becoming "unlikely", Civil Defence Minister John Carter says.

Christchurch earthquake: Street's residents gather for hug and cry
In the minutes after Tuesday's earthquake, the people of Santa Maria Ave, Redcliffs, gathered at the top of the street and hugged and cried.