Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker declared a state of emergency and ordered people to evacuate the city centre after a massive quake devastated the city.

Troops were deployed to help people get out and to throw up a security cordon around the stricken area, said Deputy Prime Minister Bill English.

A powerful earthquake collapsed buildings at the height of a busy workday in New Zealand’s city of Christchurch, killing at least 65 people and trapping dozens on Tuesday in one of the country’s worst natural disasters.

“It is a just a scene of utter devastation,” Prime Minister John Key said after rushing to the city within hours of the quake. He said the death toll was 65, and may rise. “This may be New Zealand’s darkest day,” he told TV One News.

It was the second time a major quake hit the city of 350 000 in five months. Tuesday’s 6.3-magnitude temblor struck closer to downtown than a quake that heavily damaged Christchurch last September but caused no deaths when it struck before dawn on a weekend.

In related news, Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans has confirmed that his family is safe following the earthquake.

Deans, whose family has historical ties with Christchurch, said his immediate family were in Sydney while his mother and sister were safe.

Robbie Deans said: “It’s a tragic circumstance, coming as it has on top of everything else Christchurch and the people of Canterbury have experienced through last year’s quake, and now today(Tuesday).

“To come at a time when the city had just got back on its feet again, and was starting to rebuild, is devastating.

“My thoughts – and I’m sure the thoughts of everyone both in rugby and the wider Australian community go out to everyone affected by this disaster.”

Deans played for Canterbury between 1979 and 1990 and coached the Crusaders from 2000 to 2008 before taking the Wallabies’ coaching job

Meanwhile, Rugby World Cup 2011, have released as statement.

“At this time RWC 2011 must take a backseat while Christchurch deals with the aftermath of this tragedy. Our thoughts are very much with the people of the region. It is too early to talk about any implications for the [World Cup] Tournament and any assessment must wait while the rescue and recovery efforts take priority.”

Christchurch is scheduled to host seven games during the World Cup including Australia’s pool matches against Italy and Russia and two quarter-finals.