Death toll in NZ quake climbs to 148

Six days after Christchurch city was struck by 6.3 magnitude earthquake, the death toll now rose to 148, NZ authorities said in a report by the New Zealand Herald.

Two more people had died according to Superintendent Dave Cliff: 38-year-old Natasha Sarah Hadfield from Kaiapoi and 40-year-old Owen Morris Wright from Lyttelton.

More bodies are expected to be recovered.

Cliff said, "It may be that human remains are located but not complete bodies. That's an enormously sad thing for the families involved."

A health warning was issued as strong winds are expected to hit the devastated city today that will fill the air with 180,000 tons of silt and dust from the damaged buildings. This is six times greater to September's temblor that dislodged 30,000 dust materials.

The dust may bring about respiratory problems.

City mayor Bob Parker that about 35 percent of residents or 55,000 homes still had no water supply. He advised the public to boil the water they get from pipes within the city.

The mayor announced that the Pioneer Stadium is now available for showers.

NZ Red Cross announced that a total of $5.2 million in donations will be given to the earthquake victims.

Around 84 percent of electric power has been restored. Orion Company is working towards restoring 95 percent supply by next week.

A Cabinet meeting will discuss within the day a broader assistance package that will give workers from work areas with up to 20 employees a subsidy like the September quake's subsidy of $350 per week per worker.

Prime Minister John Key said the cost of this quake's subsidy is approximately $13 billion in addition to the $6 to $7 billion during last year's temblor.

The prime minister has launched a global fundraiser for the earthquake victims. Please visit this link www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz if you want to help.

For Telecom, Vodafone and 2Degrees mobile customers, please text chch to 933 to make a $3 donation.

Internet banking can also be done to send your donations at any branch of NZ retail banks.

Details of this story here.