THE TELEGRAPH: A state of emergency has been declared after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the New Zealand city of Christchurch, destroying hundreds of buildings.
Police sealed off the centre of New Zealand's second largest city because of the danger from falling masonry during a series of strong aftershocks.
Eighty extra police officers were drafted in Auckland to help enforce a 7pm to 7am curfew.
Army units were also being sent in to assist with relief work.
As night fell on scenes of devastation, fears were mounting of health risks from fractured sewage pipes and residents were warned to boil drinking water.
A fire erupted in the shattered central city and firefighters racing to tackle it were hampered by a lack of water pressure caused by burst mains.
Earlier, isolated cases of looting were reported but police quickly responded by increasing their presence around city centre shops.
Christchurch Hospital was inundated with casualties, mainly cuts and fractures, although at least two people were in a serious condition.
One was a man in his 50s who was hit by a falling chimney, while another man was badly cut by glass.
Ten people were admitted with suspected heart attacks triggered by shock.
No deaths were reported, which John Key, the Prime Minister, described as "a miracle". >>> Paul Chapman, in Wellington | Saturday, September 04, 2010
TVNZ – Watch video: Prime Minister John Key reacts to the Christchurch earthquake >>>
To The Guardian photo gallery >>> | Saturday, September 04, 2010
Curfew declared in New Zealand >>>
