Mike McRoberts and John Campbell along with Sacha McNeil are bringing viewers live coverage from Christchurch this morning as 3 News continues coverage with a special extended bulletin which began screening at 6am and continues until 9am this morning.

Two days after the fatal 6.3 magnitude quake hit Christchurch, friends and relatives of those unaccounted for are facing another morning of uncertainty as their long wait continues.

Mike and John are reporting live from the Christchurch Art Gallery which remains the hub of the Civil Defence operation in Christchurch.

Today’s focus remains on search and recovery, as most of the international contingent has arrived to assist with the process. Teams from Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and Japan are on the ground at the sites, and the British and US teams are due to arrive at 6pm tonight.

John has also been brining stories from the scene where people are coping in extreme conditions – many still without power, water or landlines.

Mike and John again updated viewers on overnight developments including no live recoveries overnight, all while violent aftershocks continue to rock the region. Two more bodies were pulled from the CTV building last night. The official death toll stands at 71 but the number will rise today and tomorrow.

Sacha McNeil will return at midday with the 3 News bulletin and regular updates will feature between now and then as breaking news arises.

Hilary Barry will be back at 4.30pm today for another extended special leading up to the 3’s 6pm news.

For help people are urged to call 0800 RED CROSS (733 276 77).

Additional footage can also be viewed online at the 3 News site:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/3NewsLiveStream/ChristchurchEarthquake/tabid/876/Default.aspx

ENDS

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