New Zealand earthquake damaged many people and effecting many rescues. A strong earthquake killed at least 65 people in Christchurch, with more casualties expected as rescuers worked into the night to find scores of people trapped inside collapsed buildings. It was the second strong quake in five months to hit Christchurch, a city of almost 400,000 people.
About 120 survivors had been pulled from the rubble. “We may well be witnessing New Zealand’s darkest day.
The death toll I have at the moment is 65 and that may rise,” said Prime Minister John Key, who had flown to his home city. Yesterday’s 6.3 magnitude quake struck at lunchtime, when streets and shops were thronged with people and offices were still occupied. It was New Zealand’s most deadly natural disaster for 80 years.
Later, officials said a total of 300 people were believed to be missing, but details are unclear and officials are currently trying to refine that list. Some people may simply not have been able to contact friends and relatives.
The ministry of civil defence said 22 people alone were missing in Christchurch Cathedral, which lost its spire and a section of roof. Twenty-four others have meanwhile been rescued from the Pyne Gould Guinness building and dogs have detected another seven still alive. The earthquake flattened the four-storey structure where hundreds worked.
The Red Cross has been trying to find accommodation for people sheltering outside in tents or under plastic sheeting. All the schools in Christchurch are closed until further notice, as expert teams are assessing any potential damage to the buildings.
Prime Minister John Key declared a national state of emergency after a cabinet meeting in the capital, Wellington, on Wednesday morning. He said it would allow the greatest possible co-ordination of local, national, and international resources to work on rescue and recovery efforts.
