MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday reported that no Filipino was hurt in the strong quake that hit New Zealand.

The DFA said the information was relayed to the department by the Philippine Embassy in Wellington.

“The embassy learned of this after staff members immediately got in touch with Filipino community leaders and Philippine Honorary Consul in Christchurch on the condition of Filipinos,” said DFA spokesperson Ed Malaya.

Agence France-Presse reported that a 7.0 magnitude quake struck before dawn on Saturday.

The tremor caused massive damage and a state of emergency was declared in Christchurch, the report said.

According to the DFA, there are 40,000 Filipinos living in New Zealand, with some 3,000 in the Christchurch area.