New Zea-land earthquake
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has declared a national state of emergency as the death toll from Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch rose to 75.More than 300 people are still missing. Forty-eight were pulled out from collapsed buildings alive overnight.Some of the major office buildings in Christchurch were virtually flattened in the earthquake. It has been a slow and delicate rescue effort, using both heavy lifting equipment and hand tools. The rescuers have enjoyed some success, pulling at least four survivors from one collapsed office block. One woman was brought out after 25 hours spent crouching under a desk. About 100 people are believed to be inside. Earlier, the head of the fire service denied reports that 15 people trapped inside had been rescued.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has declared a national state of emergency as the death toll from Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch rose to 75.More than 300 people are still missing. Forty-eight were pulled out from collapsed buildings alive overnight.Some of the major office buildings in Christchurch were virtually flattened in the earthquake. It has been a slow and delicate rescue effort, using both heavy lifting equipment and hand tools. The rescuers have enjoyed some success, pulling at least four survivors from one collapsed office block. One woman was brought out after 25 hours spent crouching under a desk. About 100 people are believed to be inside. Earlier, the head of the fire service denied reports that 15 people trapped inside had been rescued.
Mr Key ordered that the country's flag be flown at half-mast on all public buildings until further notice to honour the victims.More than 500 search and rescue personnel, police, fire service staff, soldiers and volunteers have been scrambling to find survivors trapped under the rubble, many using only their bare hands.Officials said a total of 300 people were believed to be missing, but details are unclear and officials are currently trying to refine that list. Some people may simply not have been able to contact friends and relatives.The ministry of civil defence said 22 people alone were missing in Christchurch Cathedral, which lost its spire and a section of roof. Police say there has been no sign of life from underneath the rubble.Prof. John Kurakar
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