Update: 3.50pm Tuesday 22nd February 2011

See our New Zealand Earthquakes page for ongoing updates - infonews.co.nz

Situation Updates:

• Christchurch hospital is operational, with only one ward damaged
• Christchurch airport is open for emergencies only closed, closed for domestic pending an inspection of the runway.
• Civil Defence Director John Hamilton says the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington has established communications with the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group in Christchurch, and is still working on communications with Christchurch City Civil Defence.

People in the affected area should:

• Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.
• Check yourself first for injuries and get first aid if necessary before helping injured or trapped persons.
• Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. Use the stairs, not an elevator and when outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.
• Look for and extinguish small fires if safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.
• Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
• Do not overload the phone lines with non-emergency calls.
• Help people who require special assistance – infants, elderly people, those without transportation, large families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.