Maltese in Christchurch safe and sound

A Maltese national who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, is safe and sound, the Foreign Ministry confirmed this morning.

A spokesman for the ministry said Malta’s embassy in Australia had managed to contact George Spiteri, who lived in Christchurch, and he said that he and his family had survived the quake which struck the country's South Island on Friday.

Mr Spiteri reported disastrous conditions, electricity cuts, unearthed roads and buildings literally cut in half.

It has been reported that the earthquake, caused by the continuing collision between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, has ripped a new 11ft wide fault line in the earth's surface.

At least 500 buildings, including 90 properties, were designated as destroyed in the 7.1-magnitude quake that struck on Friday near the South Island city of 400,000 people. Most other buildings sustained only minor damage.

The quake cut power across the region, roads were blocked by debris and gas and water supplies were disrupted, but Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said services were being restored today.

Power was back to 90 per cent of the city and water supply had resumed for all but 15 to 20 per cent of residents, he said. Portable toilets had been provided and tanks of fresh water placed around the city.

Today, specialist engineering teams began assessing damage to all central city buildings. Schools across the region would remain closed for the next two days to allow time to check whether they were safe.

Part of the reason the city escaped major injuries was because the quake happened before dawn local time.

Experts said the low number of injuries in the powerful quake reflected the country's strict building codes.

Malta's Foreign Ministry provides assistance to Maltese travellers and those residing abroad on a daily basis. Demand is bigger in summer and 800 people have already been assisted this year.

People requiring assistance may find the relevant contact details on the ministry's website.

www.foreign.gov.mt