Parker: Life as we know it has come to an end

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has declared a state of emergency after the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the city at 12.51 this afternoon.

"Life as we know it has come to an end again here," Parker said.

"We don't know how long it will be before we can get a full picture of what has happened.

"Terrible reports are coming to me now, this is not a day that is going to end on a pleasant note."

Unlike the massive quake that tore the city apart in September today's tremor hit right on lunch time.

"There are fatalities," Parker said.

"A couple of buses have been trapped under falling buildings

"The main message we have for our citizens is you've got to stay calm.

"There are people who are trapped and fighting for their lives and we are fighting to get to them as well."

Parker said the scene on the ground in Christchurch was of utter devastation.

"We are in, quite frankly a state of disaster," he said.

"We are putting a cordon around the city centre.

"At this moment our roads are lifelines. We have every emergency vehicle out there doing what they can. Keep travel to a minimum

do what you can in your immediate area.

"Check your neighbours, we must do what we can."