New Zealand earthquake kills 65
At least 65 people have been killed in an earthquake which has hit Christchurch in New Zealand.
The 6.3-magnitude earthquake has caused widespread damage to the South Island city, with many buildings collapsed.
According to the latest reports, at least 200 people are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings.
Officials said up to 30 people are believed to be still trapped inside the Pyne Gould Guinness building where rescue workers have heard screams from beneath the wreckage.
Prime Minister John Key said: “We may be witnessing New Zealand’s darkest day.”
The earthquake struck in the middle of the day in Christchurch, south east of the city.
Christchurch airport is currently closed and a state of emergency has been declared.
A security cordon has been put in place in the city while emergency operations are carried out.
The New Zealand Tourist Board said people are asked to avoid all non-essential travel to Christchurch.
But it stressed that the rest of the country has not been affected.
“All other South Island and New Zealand airports are open and operating. International travellers planning to visit New Zealand are advised that all regions outside of the Canterbury area remain operational,” it said in a statement.
“Travellers should check with their airline or travel agent before commencing travel.”
TravelMole’s Graham McKenzie is in New Zealand and was due to arrive in Christchurch later this week.
He has been blogging about his trip for TravelMole and for the New Zealand Tourist Board.
“Needless to say the mood has changed somewhat within the last five hours with the awful news emerging from Christchurch,†he said.
“Listening to local television the Prime Minister has just been on to say that at least 65 people have lost their lives, all flights are suspended within the country, mobile communication networks are down and a plea has gone out not to drink the local water.
“One is often used to this type of news from many parts of the world but when it affects an area and city like Christchurch it seems to have an even greater personal impact. It’s like an earthquake crushing Brighton or Bournemouth. The quake happened at the worst time of the day and with no warning.
“The last 48 hours has stunned me yet again with the beauty of this country, the way people react to you and the general support that the community at large offer everybody. A tragedy like this, I suspect, will see Kiwis at their best.â€
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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