The 6.3 magnitude earthquake - an aftershock of the 7.1 magnitude quake on September 4 - struck 20km southeast of Christchurch at around 1pm local time, with initial reports suggesting damage and fatalities far exceeding the initial quake.
A man lies injured on Manchester street in Christchurch, New Zealand.
A man is rushed to hospital after being rescued from a collapsed building in Manchester Street in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Rescue workers search for survivors through debris.
Crushed cars are seen in a car parking building on in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Collapsed buildings in Manchester Street in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Collapsed buildings and debris are seen on Manchester Street in Christchurch, New Zealand.
A man runs for cover in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Collapsed buildings and debris along Manchester Street in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Rescue workers search for survivors through the debris in Christchurch, New Zealand.
A man retrieves his bike from the remains of a building in Christchurch
Rescuers search for survivors in a collapsed building in Manchester Street in Christchurch
Cars covered in building debris in Christchurch, New Zealand.
People searching for loved ones on Manchester Street through the debris in Christchurch.
A man stands in remains of a building in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Rescuers search for survivors in a collapsed building in Manchester Street in Christchurch
Scenes of building collapsing in Christchurch after the city of was hit by a 6.3Magnitude earthquake.
Fallen bricks strewn the streets in Christchurch after the city of was hit by a 6.3Magnitude earthquake.
Roads were closed after the earthquake hit Christchurch. The city was thrown into crisis, with fatalities confirmed.
Mess inside a Christchurch home after the 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the city. There are reports of widespread damage.
The massive shake caused furniture to topple inside Christchurch homes. Many people were stranded when roads were cut.
Scenes of devastation in Christchurch after the earthquake that hit the city on February 22, 2011.
