New Zealand earthquake

Quake, which struck at 12:51 pm 2351 GMT Monday,will have caused more damage than a 7.1-magnitude earthquake on 4th September because of its shallow depth, the institute said.The New Zealand Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences said the epicentre was near Christchurch, at a depth of 5 kilometres.Witnesses said the ground lifted up to 1 metre in places:

Prime Minister John Key said at least 65 people were dead with many more people yet to be rescued. Hundreds more have suffered a wide range of injuries.“We could be facing New Zealand’s darkest hour,” Key said after arriving in the devastated area following an emergency meeting of cabinet ministers.Rescue teams were dealing with widespread destruction, including two buses crushed by falling debris.There were other reports of bodies being pulled out of buildings and crushed cars.Police said emergency services were battling a number of fires and power was out in many areas.

Tuesday’s quake brought down power lines, ruptured pipes and forced the closure and evacuation of many buildings including the airport and university, and disrupted phone communications.