A state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand’s second largest city after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake collapsed walls and cut off power.
No tsunami alert was issued and there appeared to be only two serious injuries, but looters broke into some damaged shops in Christchurch, police said.
The powerful tremor hit 19 miles (30km) west of the city.
Christchurch mayor Bob Parker declared a state of emergency after receiving reports of widespread damage.
He said the “sharp, vicious earthquake has caused significant damage in parts of the city… with walls collapsed that have fallen into the streets”.
Chimneys and walls had fallen from older buildings, with roads blocked, traffic lights out and power, gas and water supplies disrupted, he said.
Officers cordoned off some streets due to rubble and ‘quake damage. Read more…
