Mormon missionaries in New Zealand safe after earthquake

SALT LAKE CITY — In the wake of Saturday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake in New Zealand, the LDS Church is reporting all missionaries in the area safe and accounted for while continuing to determine the needs of those impacted.

The quake struck about 20 miles northwest of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island at 4:35 a.m. Saturday, resulting in extensive damage.

Local church leaders are assessing the status of church members, their homes and LDS buildings in the affected area, said Scott Trotter, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

—Scott Taylor