The widespread damage came from a shallow lunch-time tremor in a city of 340,000 still recovering from a powerful quake in September, which did not cause any fatalities but did weaken many buildings.
Click on the thumbnails BELOW to view the chaotic scenes and earthquake damage in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Christchurch airport was temporarily closed and police said they were evacuating the city centre as building frontages collapsed, with witnesses saying there were people trapped inside.
Cars were buried under rubble and roads buckled as the tremor opened ruptures in the ground.
"It was just unbelievable, it was so strong, nothing like I've ever experienced before, just horrible," local shopkeeper Julian Hogday told TV3.
Police feared multiple deaths, including in two buses that were crushed by falling debris.
"Multiple fatalities have been reported at several locations in the central city, including two buses crushed by falling buildings. A doctor and emergency services are attending," a police statement said. Full story here.
originate from Xin.msn.com news 一波未平 另一波有来袭 地震真害人不浅
