NZ quake death toll climbs to 113

Police said the death toll in the New Zealand earthquake has risen to 113.

Police Supt Dave Cliff told reporters that 113 bodies have been pulled from the rubble of the city of Christchurch, and 228 people are listed as missing.

A magnitude 6.3 quake struck Christchurch near lunchtime on Tuesday, collapsing buildings and causing massive damage in one of the country’s worst natural disasters.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed tonight that one Irish national was killed in the quake, while one person is also cause for "serious concern".

There have been conflicting reports that this person may be among a group at the site of the collapsed PGG building, where rescue efforts are continuing.

Irish diplomatic personnel on the ground are in contact with the emergency services to establish the exact situation.