65 confirmed dead in Christchurch earthquake

Sixty-five people have been confirmed dead and scores more are injured or missing after a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed Christchurch buildings and left entire suburbs "unliveable" earlier this afternoon.

Stuff.CO .NZ reports Prime Minister John Key said New Zealand may be witnessing one of its darkest day in confirming that at least 65 people were dead.

That quake has been followed by constant aftershocks, some as powerful as magnitude 5.

Rescuers said some people would remain trapped in buildings overnight. Up to 500 people have set up for the night in Hagley Park, where they will be spending the night.
 
Hospitals around the South Island were being cleared to take the hundreds of casualties expected, while makeshift hospitals were being set up in parts of Christchurch.

The suburbs of Lyttleton and new Brighton are reportedly "unbelievable".

A number of people were also trapped in the iconic Press building in Cathedral Square.

Some had managed to free themselves.
 
Radio NZ reports people died when buses were crushed under falling building facades radio NZ reported.


Story by: Saphire Koroitanoa