AN Island resident who is caught up in the earthquake in Christchurch in New Zealand has said it is "crazy to be part of".

Michael Butler, 22, who is originally from Port St Mary, is currently living in Christchurch while studying at the University of Canterbury.

Earlier today Michael spoke exclusively to isleofman.com about the devastating earthquake which has left at least 65 people dead. There are fears that this total could rise to 300.

Click here for that interview.

Reporter Tessa Hawley spoke to Michael again just after 2am local time for an update.

He explained that aftershocks were still being felt and said: "The quakes are pretty constant so just as you fall asleep you get shook around."

The earthquake struck just before 1pm local time and measured 6.3 on the Richter Scale. Buildings and houses collapsed leaving many people crushed and trapped. Michael described the hospital where some of his friends work as "manic".

The affected areas have no clean water, toilets or sewerage system as the pipes have burst.

Michael continued: "It's just crazy to be a part of and it's going to be a long day tomorrow. So many people need help with their houses. There is liquefaction all over and houses are just sinking. My friend was driving behind a van earlier and it just drove into a huge hole which appeared."

In the morning Michael is planning on helping out with the clean up operation. He explained: "Everyone is helping everyone and we are still waiting to hear from people who are still missing. There is a student army which has been set up on Facebook and all the students from the university are going to meet up and head out to the hard hit areas to help fix what we can."

Also see: Island resident caught up in New Zealand earthquake terror