Earthquake In New Zealand

The prime minister said the earthquake would have a short-term negative impact on economic growth, but that the loss "would be more than made up by the stimulus impact that takes place with the rebuilding programme".
Meanwhile, Christchurch mayor Bob Parker extended a state of emergency for another two days as troops were deployed throughout the city to help police secure streets and badly damaged businesses.
About 200 people whose homes were damaged spent the night in shelters.