BREAKING NEWS: 7.1 NZ Earthquake

7.2 earthquake hits South Island
Power and water have been cut to parts of Christchurch after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 30km west of the city at 4.35am today.

The quake was at a depth of 33km and was centred near Darfield.

Have spoken with friends in Chch - it sounds like a lot of damage. Radio NZ reporting that it is 7.4 magnitude.

UPDATE: 8:50AM Earthquake occurred only 10 kilometers under the surface so a shallow quake, no deaths reported, but a massive amount of damage. The challenge will be getting the support an urban earthquake zone needs in fast enough.

Radio NZ are the best source of information, just another timely reminder on how important they are in moments of crises.

UPDATE: Midday Now being reported as a 7.1 quake, two people seriously hurt, state of disaster has been called, strongest aftershock 5.2, power should be up and running by the end of the day for most of the city