Brit and Irishman die in quake

Briton and Irishman die in NZ quake

A badly damaged house in Christchurch (AP)

A Briton and an Irishman have died in the New Zealand earthquake, as search and rescue teams continued to sift through the rubble in quake-stricken Christchurch.

Both men had been living in Christchurch where the official death toll has reached 75 after the powerful 6.3 magnitude tremor struck.

The Briton is married to an Irishwoman, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said, while the Irishman was originally from the border county of Monaghan and had a young family.

Some 300 people are still missing, although it is not known how many lay trapped under the collapsed buildings and debris that showered the city when the 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker confirmed 120 people were rescued from wrecked buildings as teams worked through the night, while more bodies were also recovered.

British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell said her team had met around 123 Britons caught up in the quake since it hit, as well as visiting the main hospital where the injured are being treated.

She said: “We have a team of staff on the ground and have been going around the triage centres in Christchurch to let people know we are here and can help them. The people have ranged from young backpackers to elderly package tourists and we have come across a range of emotions.

“We have been assisting people who want to get out of the city and back to the UK, as well as people who were displaced when the quake hit and separated from essential documents such as their passports, their money and luggage.

Ms Treadell added: “Buildings are still collapsing because there are small aftershocks. The city centre is devastated and the people I have been meeting are all distressed.”

Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday telephoned his New Zealand counterpart John Key to pledge his support, after a national state of emergency was declared. A Downing Street spokesman said: “They discussed the latest situation on the ground, and the Prime Minister reiterated Britain’s sympathies and condolences at this difficult time.”