Earthquake

An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 occurred at 04.35 30km west of Christchurch at a depth of 33km. Damage has been reported, with details yet to be confirmed.

People in the affected area should:
1. Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.
2. Check yourself first for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping injured or trapped persons.
3. Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
4. Look for and extinguish small fires if safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.
5. Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
6. Do not overload the phone lines with non-emergency calls.
7. Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

Detailed safety advice will come from local authorities and emergency services in the area. People should act on it promptly.

The Director of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, John Hamilton, said that the National Crisis Management Centre has been activated to monitor the situation and co-ordinate central government response if required. The [name/s] Civil Defence Emergency Management [group/s] [has/have] activated [its/their] emergency plans and [is/are] working urgently with [its/their] local authorities, local emergency services and local media to assess risks, provide advice and respond to the earthquake.

Detailed safety advice will come from local authorities and emergency services in the area. People should act on it promptly.

Earthquake details:

Origin time: 04.35

NZ time: 04.35 05/09/2010

Co-ordinates: 43.54S 172.23E

Depth: 33km

Location: 30km West of Christchurch

Magnitude: 7.4

The above magnitude is provisional and may be increased or decreased as more seismic data becomes available.

The Ministry will release further information as soon as it becomes available.

ENDS

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