Sixty-five people have been confirmed dead and scores more are injured or missing after a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed Christchurch buildings and left entire suburbs "unliveable" earlier this afternoon.

Stuff.CO .NZ reports Prime Minister John Key said New Zealand may be witnessing one of its darkest day in confirming that at least 65 people were dead.

That quake has been followed by constant aftershocks, some as powerful as magnitude 5.

Rescuers said some people would remain trapped in buildings overnight. Up to 500 people have set up for the night in Hagley Park, where they will be spending the night.
 
Hospitals around the South Island were being cleared to take the hundreds of casualties expected, while makeshift hospitals were being set up in parts of Christchurch.

The suburbs of Lyttleton and new Brighton are reportedly "unbelievable".

A number of people were also trapped in the iconic Press building in Cathedral Square.

Some had managed to free themselves.
 
Radio NZ reports people died when buses were crushed under falling building facades radio NZ reported.


Story by: Saphire Koroitanoa
 

Earlier on...

Strong aftershocks are continuing to shake Christchurch as police confirm "multiple deaths" after a 6.3 magnitude quake hit the city earlier this afternoon.

Christchurch Police say fatalities have been reported at several locations and that two buses have been crushed by falling buildings.

Many people are also trapped in fallen buildings and under the rubble.

There is massive destruction in the city and many homes have been severely damaged.

GNS Science said today's 12.51pm quake was centered at Lyttelton at a depth of 5km.

It was followed by a 5.7 magnitude aftershock at 1.04pm at a depth of 6km, 10km south of Christchurch.

The latest aftershock measured 5.5 and was the sixth recorded since the 6.3 earthquake.

Phone lines are down and calls are not being connected to emergency services.

80 percent of Christchurch is without power.

Temporary accommodation is now being organised for those who have been displaced, with tents possibly to be erected in Hagley Park.

The fire service in Christchurch said it does not have enough resources to attend all the earthquake related callouts.

A Fire Service spokesperson told Radio New Zealand that numerous people are trapped in buildings.

A Christchurch resident, Jan Culhane said she is still shaking from experiencing the quake.