6.3 Earthquake Kills At Least 65 in New Zealand

Seismic Map of NZ (bbc.co.uk)

At least 65 people were killed in a 6.3 earthquake in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, the worst earthquake in 80 years, in what has already been ascertained as the worst day in the history of New Zealand.

The tremor occurred at 23:51 GMT (12:51 local time) at a depth of 5 kilometers, 10 kilometers away from the city.

It is considered that the intensity of the quake provoked damage that is far worse that those provoked by the tremor in September 4, 2010.

Christchurch Church Spire (bbc.co.uk)

According to the mayor of Christchurch, the second-largest city of the country, 120 people were rescued from the ruins and the rubble produced by the motion.

The survivors were rescued by the helicopters that were brought in to help the people get away.

30 people are still considered trapped inside a building, where screens have been heard.

The spire of the Christchurch Cathedral was toppled into the square below as a result of the quake. People report that the zone in the precincts of the cathedral looks like a war zone.

In a statement, Queen Elisabeth II, which is the head of the country under the title of Queen of New Zealand, expressed her support for the people who went through this dreadful event.

The tremor produced several aftershocks, going up to 5 on the Richter scale.

The earthquake in September produced a damage estimated to $3 billion, which means that the damage produced today will be more costly.

United Kingdom officials announced they would stand by their New Zealand friends and will get involved in the relief action that is likely to follow this disaster.