Latest quakes key points

The earthquakes:

1pm: Quake hits, measuring 5.5.

1:08pm: Quake hits, measuring 4.4.

1:28pm: Quake hits, measuring 3.4.

2:20pm: Quake hits, measuring 6.0.

2:40pm: Quake hits, measuring 4.9.

3:10pm: Quake hits, measuring 3.7.

Injuries:

Six people have been taken to Christchurch Hospital with moderate injuries after the 1pm earthquake.

St John reports the injuries sustained were a result of falling building material.

Two people have been rescued from a church in Latimer Square and Newstalk ZB reporter Jo Scott says emergency services were close at hand.

Mayor Bob Parker says there has been rockfall from around Sumner but no reports of injuries there.

He says he is "very worried" about other reports of injuries.

Power:

Just over 25% of Christchurch's Orion customers were without power after the 6.0 quake.

Orion is reporting they have 56,000 customers affected in Spreydon, Sumner, Redcliffs, Heathcote, New Brighton, Dallington, Fendalton and St Albans.

Power was also lost for a short time in the Dallington zone substation affecting residents in Dallington and Avonside.

Orion has crews patrolling the areas affected and it is expected that most power will be restored by nightfall.

Water:

The quakes have damaged water pipes in Christchurch's eastern suburbs.

Schools:

Hundreds of school students across Christchurch are leaving for the day - schools have been closed.

A Christchurch resident tweeted Newstalk ZB saying teachers and children at Redcliffs School witnessed rockfall.

Phones:

Telecom is advising mobile users to text and not call.

Landlines are down in Kaiapoi and businesses inspecting the damage after the latest quake.

Christchurch Airport:

Christchurch Airport terminal is open to all passengers, though an airport spokeswoman says if people are meant to fly this afternoon, check with the website first before going.

One runway had been damaged and earlier everyone was evacuated.

Footage of the 5.5 earthquake, which struck at 1pm today.