Christchurch Earthquake - UPDATE 4.30pm

Latest Police Updates following magnitude 5.8 earthquake at 1.58pm today.
Additional large aftershock approx 3.18pm

- Still no reports of serious or widespread damage or injury. No fatalities reported.

- URGENT: People are urged to stay away from hill suburbs because of risk of rockfalls.

- Some residents at Windsor Hospital rest home in New Brighton were reported to be trapped on the second floor, but are being evacuated by the Fire Service.

- Significant flooding and liquefaction eastern suburbs including Avonside and Bexley, Retreat Road, Bower Ave.

- Stopbank in Kaiapoi is damaged.

- India Blue restaurant in Sumner is damaged and has been cordoned off.

- Building on the corner of Charles St and William St, Kaiapoi is at risk of collapse.

- A vacant house at 81 Aynsley Terrace has collapsed.

- A red-stickered house in Oram Ave, New Brighton has collapsed.

- Drivers are urged to slow down and be patient as congestion is building up in some areas. Stay off roads if you do not need to travel.

- Phone networks are under pressure - text rather than phone.

Police continue to urge residents to check on their neighbours.

All available Police units have been mobilised across the city to provide reassurance and check on safety and damage.