The rescue company I work for has a team down there, with that and the calls we are getting in, I have about as good as an idea as I can get from Auckland.
To call this a massive tragedy would only scrape the surface of what it means to us in New Zealand.
It will drive home what a small community we are, where everyone will know someone that knows someone who has perished in this devastating event.
Christchurch is one of our main centres; the people are friendly and willing to chat to anyone, something that Auckland is unfortunately loosing.
To see it torn apart like this is heartbreaking.
The loss of the iconic buildings, though sad in its own way, the families that have suffered loss make the destruction of the bricks and mortar pale into insignificance.
This may turn out to be the single largest loss of life we have ever had to face.
To have so much help and support from other counties is something we are all very grateful for.