Christchurch - New Zealand police confirmed on Thursday that 98 people have died in the devastating earthquake in Christchurch on Tuesday, while 226 people are still missing.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key expects the quake death toll to exceed 200.
Key confirmed there were no survivors from the Canterbury TV building in the city centre and that overseas nationals are among the dead. The names of some of those killed in the quake are expected to be released on Thursday night.
Key said police in Christchurch will only release names when a positive identification has been made and the next-of-kin have been informed.
Tuesday afternoon's 6.3 earthquake has shattered the New Zealand South Island's largest city of Christchurch. Hundreds of search and rescue personnel, fire service staff, army personnel and volunteers worked under floodlights through the night to get to those who are still trapped - some of whom have been texting for help.
Police said 100 people are still thought to be trapped. But more than 100 have been pulled out alive.
Hundreds of displaced people spent the night in specially set up welfare centres at Hagley Park North, Addington Raceway and Burnside High School, and Civil Defence aims to open more.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker was expected to shut down the central city. A cordon manned by military personnel is in place around the four avenues surrounding the central area.
The Ministry of Education said all schools in Christchurch would be closed until further notice.
