New Zealand earthquake causes death and destruction in Christchurch

A shallow magnitude 6.3 earthquake has struck the major New Zealand city of Christchurch causing widespread destruction with multiple fatalities reported soon after the disaster and the total death toll still unclear.

The quake is believed to be an aftershock from the 7.3 earthquake which struck Christchurch in September but did not claim any lives as it struck in the middle of the night.

The quake on Tuesday local time struck around lunchtime, and there are reports that buses have been crushed by debris falling from building.

There are reports of many people trapped in the rubble of buildings, including Forsyth Barr workers trapped on the 12th floor of a 17 story building where the stairwell has been destroyed.

Rescue operations are underway. Local hospitals are preparing to receive hundreds of wounded people.

(C) NewsRoom America 2011