AT LEAST 65 PEOPLE have died in a 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch, New Zealand, at lunchtime local time today, but that toll could double as emergency crews work to rescue people trapped in the rubble.

A state of emergency has been called and up to 200 people are believed to still be trapped.

Speaking in Christchurch, Prime Minister John Keys said the earthquake was “an absolute tragedy for this city, for New Zealand, for the people we care so much about”, and warned that it could become known as “New Zealand’s darkest day”, the New Zealand Herald reports.

Keys described the situation on the ground as a “scene of utter devastation”.

Police are urging people to stay out of central Christchurch and for local residents check on their neighbours. They also advised people to conserve water.

About 400,000 people live in New Zealand’s second city, Christchurch. Google has launched a person finder application to help people register or locate missing persons and a list is being compiled online.

Irish citizens

In Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs is in contact with New Zealand officials to establish if any Irish people have been caught up in the earthquake, RTÉ reports. People concerned about friends or relatives in the area can call the DFA on 01 478 0822 or register their information online.

It is not known if any Irish citizens have been injured.

Damage and intensity

The BBC reports that although September’s earthquake caused relatively little damage and no fatalities, last night’s is likely to be recorded as one of the country’s most catastrophic natural disasters. The earthquake’s shallow depth meant that the ground broke directly under the city, causing buildings to shake intensely.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck just before lunchtime, local time.

Police have cordoned off streets, buildings and damaged vehicles in the city centre and Australia has sent a 40-man search and rescue team to help the emergency efforts, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

This OneNews report shows people evacuating from severely-damaged buildings: (Warning: contains images some may find disturbing)