Rescue workers on the collapsed Pyne Gould Guiness Building in central Christchurch. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Rescue workers on the collapsed Pyne Gould Guiness Building in central Christchurch. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Prime Minister John Key has told reporters that the death toll from today's magnitude 6.3 earthquake stands at 65, and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it could quite possibly double.
Speaking from Christchurch after flying down this afternoon, Mr Key told One News it was likely the quake would prove to be New Zealand's "darkest day".
TVNZ reports up to 200 people remained trapped in damaged buildings.
Mr Key said New Zealanders should be assured the Government was doing everything it could.
There were 180 police on the ground, a further 200 were on the way and 350 military were already in Christchurch with another 250 to arrive soon.

The Government had accepted offers of specialist help from Australia and US.

"I don't think we can go past the fact that we may well be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day."

The latest "very fluid" advice was that the death toll 65, "and that may rise".
Read the whole story on: nzherald.co.nz