FIFA president Sepp Blatter has sent a letter of support to New Zealand Football chairman Frank van Hattum following the Christchurch earthquake.

Rescuers have found no survivors at two Christchurch CBD buildings where signs of life were reported this morning, the Fire Service says.

The family of a woman feared dead in the earthquake has suffered another cruel blow with her home being burgled while her children waited for news.

Prime Minister John Key has not ruled out imposing an earthquake levy similar to the flood levy brought in Queensland.

Images record the shocking aftermath of the magnitude 6.3 quake around the suburbs of Christchurch.

Hope is fading for hundreds of people missing for a second night after the Christchurch earthquake.

Dozens are missing or confirmed dead in an earthquake that could have claimed as many as 300. Here are some of the stories of the victims.

Prime Minister John Key yesterday saw for himself the grim situation confronting earthquake survivors.

Rescuers were last night coming under fire for pulling out of attempts to get to people trapped in the CTV building. The search was abandoned yesterday after police said they were "100 per cent sure" there were no survivors.

At least 14 were still trapped and facing a second cold and lonely night in the mangled PGG building.