New Zealand quake death toll hits 75, more than 300 still missing

[News_Editor]

New Zealand quake death toll hits 75, more than 300 still missing

2011-02-23 11:20:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND (BNO NEWS) -- The death toll following a strong earthquake that struck the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Tuesday has risen to at least 75, police said on Wednesday, adding that hundreds more remain missing.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake at 12.51 p.m. local time on Tuesday (2351 GMT Monday) was centered about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. It struck about 5 kilometers (3 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GeoNet), the country's seismological agency.

Minutes later, at 1.04 p.m. local time (0004 GMT Tuesday), a 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck the same location at a depth of just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). It was followed by a 5.5-magnitude earthquake at 2.50 p.m. local time (0150 GMT), as well as other but smaller aftershocks.

As of Wednesday, Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Dave Cliff said the bodies of 55 people have been identified while another 20 bodies are awaiting identification.

Superintendent Cliff said 300 people are reported missing but noted that, while some of these people could be trapped in buildings, but that others may just have difficulty contacting family.

Cliff said rescue operations are continuing in a number of buildings in the central city, 10 of which remain a priority. "The focus remains on rescuing those people who are alive," he said, adding that 40 police cordons remain in place around the city.

Around 80 percent of the city remains without water since the earthquake, but power has been restored to the majority of the central city.

In wake of the devastating earthquake, Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to convey her "deep sympathy" to the families and friends of those who were killed. "I have been utterly shocked by the news of another earthquake in Christchurch," the Queen said, referring to a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck near Christchurch in September 2010.

The Queen added: "My thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this dreadful event. My thoughts are also with the emergency services and everyone who is assisting in the rescue efforts."

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-02-23