The New Zealand Herald reports that there are "multiple fatalities" after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the city of Christchurch a few hours ago (12.51pm local time).
All Mormon missionaries in the area are safe and well, according to Clive Jolliffe, Wellington Mission President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Church leaders are contacting members of the Church throughout the city to confirm the safety and well-being of all Latter-day Saints in the affected region so immediate support can be mobilised.
A Church Physical Facilities Department employee, Norm Scirkovich, was in Christchurch when the quake hit. He reports that chapels belonging to the Church have been substantially damaged including cracked walls, separation of slabs and severe liquefaction."
"The ground is covered in sand due to the liquefaction and upheaval from below the ground surface," Scirkovich said, standing outside the Church's Avonside Chapel. "All the surrounding roads in the immediate area are flooded, cars are up to their doors in mud, bridges have been compressed and deformed."
Further assessment is ongoing.