Aerial images of the area affected by yesterday’s earthquake and aftershocks in New Zealand have revealed damage to essential connections and basic infrastructure, said acting civil defence minister Gerry Brownlee.

The popular tourist spot of Kaikoura has been completely isolated. “The Prime Minister and I have now seen first-hand the numerous major slips, which have isolated Kaikoura from the north and south,” he said. “The widespread destruction caused by the magnitude 7.5 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks will take considerable time and resources to repair.

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