An earthquake of 7.2 on the Ritcher scale had hit Christchurch (South Island) this morning at 4.35 am. The quake was centred 30 km west of Christchurch (near Darfield). There have been many reports of infrastructure damage, including buildings being flattened and a road being ripped up. The quake was felt across the South Island and also North Island as far as Wellington and Palmerston North. Several aftershocks have been felt since.
URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE NEW ZEALAND
1) No deaths have been reported;
2) Most injuries reported are minor and a small number of more serious cases of injury do not appear to be life threatening;
3) No information available at this point to the Ministry on injuries to foreign citizens;
4) Diplomatic Missions and Posts will provide practical advice to citizens traveling and intending to travel in New Zealand. Please note however that the local authorities in the region are urging people to stay away from Christchurch city centre at this point, and there is infrastructure damage in the wider region;
5) Christchurch Airport is closed but will possibly reopen this afternoon, Wigram Airport is no longer operational, international flights have been diverted;
6) The Ministry's hotline number is 021 633 207, more updates at the following website: www.civildefence.govt.nz
OFFICERS TO BE CONTACTED AT THE HIGH COMMISSION IN WELLINGTON:
Cik Nur Ayuni Zainal Abidin, Mobile 021 021 55266 Home: 04 384 6434
Lt. Kol Ahmad Faiezzelan Abd Karim, Mobile: 021 857 467 Home: 04 970 2128
Encik Dzulkefly Mustapha, Mobile: 021 102 2642 Home: 04 477 3473
Puan Hajah Nor Ruzaini Jailani, Mobile: 021 322 708 Home: 04 461 7357
Email: mwwelton@xtra.co.nz
Please listen carefully to the instructions given by the Civil Defence New Zealand, keep the High Commission updated and stay in group.
Thank you.
High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand
3 September 2010