Deadly Earthquake in New Zealand

A strong earthquake caused widespread destruction in the city of Christchurch, in New Zealand, on Tuesday 22 February.

The tremor occurred at noon in Oceania and destroyed tall buildings when people were still in their jobs.

Fire crews and rescue workers said their resources were overwhelmed as they tried to help the injured and reach other trapped in the rubble.

The 6.3 magnitude quake was the second in six months in that city, and occurred after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in September 2010, where there was no loss of life.

Seismologists say the quake struck closer to the city and much closer to the surface, which made it more intense.

Firefighters used helicopters to put out some fires and used a crane to rescue workers from the roof of an office tower. So far there have been 65 deaths.

Source: VOA News