Information about the Christchurch earthquake

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred near the city of Christchurch in Canterbury, New Zealand, on 22 February 2011.

Updates on the earthquake are available on the Canterbury Earthquake website (http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/).

More information can be found on the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website (www.civildefence.govt.nz).

Statements from Prime Minister John Key and other ministers are available on the Beehive website (www.beehive.govt.nz).

People planning to visit New Zealand can see updates at Tourism New Zealand (www.tourismnewzealand.com).

Red Cross Person Enquiry Line

If you are unable to contact a friend or relative in the Christchurch area, call the Red Cross Person Enquiry Line - 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276). Red Cross will be able to tell you if they have registered with Civil Defence. People are encouraged to do this before reporting friends and relatives missing.

Those calling from outside New Zealand to register missing persons should call +64 7 850 2199 (limited Chinese interpretation services available).

Chinese citizens making enquiries should contact the Chinese Embassy in Wellington on the following earthquake hotline numbers: 0064-27-5196653, 0064-21-841026, 0064-27-5196656.