The 20,000-capacity venue, which was built for the 1974 Commonwealth Games and now hosts track and field, swimming and diving events, is awaiting assessment by structural engineers before any decision is made on reopening.

City Council sports manager John Filsell said the facility "is under lockdown, which means there is no access to anyone for any purpose".

The devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake, on February 22, hit less than a month after the conclusion of the Athletics World Championships and followed a major 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck on September 4 last year and put the event in doubt.

Another three earthquakes - measuring 5.1, 3.4 and 4.0 on the Richter scale - again rocked Christchurch the day before the championships began on January 20 but the event still went ahead as planned.

Following the disaster, IPC President Sir Philip Craven said: "This is truly devastating news and on behalf of the whole Paralympic Movement I would like to send our thoughts and condolences to the people in Christchurch.

"I would also like to convey our deepest sympathies to those who have tragically lost loved ones in this disaster.

"Christchurch is a great city with some great people."

Financial claims from the earthquake are set to be between $2.75 billion (£1.25 billion) and $3.5 billion (£1.6 billion).

A brand new permanent training track just outside the QEII Stadium was built as part of the requirement for hosting the Championships.

Like the QEII Stadium, the track has been closed off indefinitely.

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