A desperate plea for rescue by six Filipino nurses trapped inside the CTV building have emerged following fears up to 120 people are still entombed in one of the focal points of Christchurch's deadly earthquake.

Hopes of finding survivors in the rubble of Christchurch are fading as the second day following the devastating quake draws to a close.

A 52-year-old man is in a stable condition after having both legs amputated by a visiting surgeon at the PGC building.

Smashing his way into his devastated home today, Christchurch man Ed Langston appeared somewhat resigned to having lost his house and business in Tuesday's deadly earthquake.

Police have delayed releasing the names of those confirmed dead and for whom there are serious concerns.

There are 76 dead in the temporary morgue set up by police in Christchurch and more coming "in ones and twos", Police Minister Judith Collins said as she praised the efforts of rescue workers this afternoon.

Police and security staff are worrying about the possible further collapse of building facades.

More bodies have been recovered from the collapsed CTV building in Christchurch.

Personnel at the PGC building in Christchurch have switched their focus from trying to find survivors to recovering the dead, the company says.

Christchurch earthquake - reaction, thoughts, pictures from social media in New Zealand and around the world.

Rescuers have found no survivors at two Christchurch CBD buildings where signs of life were reported this morning, the Fire Service says.

Prime Minister John Key has not ruled out imposing an earthquake levy similar to the flood levy brought in Queensland.

It was one of many emotional scenes at the domestic terminal of Auckland Airport as loved ones were reunited

A message from the Pope was read out at a special service to pray for safety in the days ahead.

Christchurch hospitals are busy but coping as patient numbers swell from the earthquake.