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LONDON — Britain has dispatched a search and rescue mission to New Zealand, Prime Minister David Cameron said on Tuesday, to help find survivors of a powerful earthquake that has killed at least 65 people in the second city of Christchurch.
Voicing his "deepest sympathies and condolences" to New Zealand, Cameron said the UK "stood ready" to provide further help at this "dark and difficult time".
"There are many people in Britain with ties of friendship or family to New Zealand," said Cameron, speaking to British journalists travelling with him in Kuwait.
"I have been in touch with my good friend, prime minister John Key, and he knows that Britain stands ready to provide whatever assistance is required in support of the local emergency services.
"The people of New Zealand have been hit by a devastating earthquake, not once, but twice in a matter of months, and I want to pay tribute to their resilience."
A 7.0-magnitude quake hit Christchurch six months ago but miraculously claimed no victims.
Cameron said Britain's high commissioner in New Zealand was on her way to Christchurch, along with extra consular staff.
Queen Elizabeth II, who is also New Zealand's head of state, said earlier on Tuesday that she was "utterly shocked" by the news of the 6.3-magnitude quake, which struck city streets at midday, crushing buildings and cars and leaving hundreds trapped.
"I have been utterly shocked by the news of another earthquake in Christchurch," she wrote in a message to Key.
"Please convey my deep sympathy to the families and friends of those who have been killed; my thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this dreadful event.
"My thoughts are also with the emergency services and everyone who is assisting in the rescue efforts."
Key said New Zealand could be witnessing its "darkest day" after the quake, which was the country's deadliest tremor in 80 years.
The Foreign Office told AFP it had not received news of any British casualties. Around 288,100 British nationals visit New Zealand each year, according to Statistics New Zealand.
Britons in New Zealand can telephone the British High Commission on 04 924 2898 for assistance, or the Global Response Centre in the UK on 0044 207 008 1500.
The New Zealand High Commission in London said New Zealanders in Britain who were worried about friends and family should monitor government websites and media reports and to try to make direct contact with loved ones.
Voicing his "deepest sympathies and condolences" to New Zealand, Cameron said the UK "stood ready" to provide further help at this "dark and difficult time".
"There are many people in Britain with ties of friendship or family to New Zealand," said Cameron, speaking to British journalists travelling with him in Kuwait.
"I have been in touch with my good friend, prime minister John Key, and he knows that Britain stands ready to provide whatever assistance is required in support of the local emergency services.
"The people of New Zealand have been hit by a devastating earthquake, not once, but twice in a matter of months, and I want to pay tribute to their resilience."
A 7.0-magnitude quake hit Christchurch six months ago but miraculously claimed no victims.
Cameron said Britain's high commissioner in New Zealand was on her way to Christchurch, along with extra consular staff.
Queen Elizabeth II, who is also New Zealand's head of state, said earlier on Tuesday that she was "utterly shocked" by the news of the 6.3-magnitude quake, which struck city streets at midday, crushing buildings and cars and leaving hundreds trapped.
"I have been utterly shocked by the news of another earthquake in Christchurch," she wrote in a message to Key.
"Please convey my deep sympathy to the families and friends of those who have been killed; my thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this dreadful event.
"My thoughts are also with the emergency services and everyone who is assisting in the rescue efforts."
Key said New Zealand could be witnessing its "darkest day" after the quake, which was the country's deadliest tremor in 80 years.
The Foreign Office told AFP it had not received news of any British casualties. Around 288,100 British nationals visit New Zealand each year, according to Statistics New Zealand.
Britons in New Zealand can telephone the British High Commission on 04 924 2898 for assistance, or the Global Response Centre in the UK on 0044 207 008 1500.
The New Zealand High Commission in London said New Zealanders in Britain who were worried about friends and family should monitor government websites and media reports and to try to make direct contact with loved ones.
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