By James Murray
A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch today after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake caused widespread damage.
The Minister of Defence made the announcement during an interview with 3 News this morning, after the earthquake, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, struck around 30km west of the city at 4.30am.
The Nation broadcast a special earthquake bulletin – Christchurch cop Alf Stewart talks to Sean Plunket about the effects of the earthquake.
3 News