New Zealand City Hit by 6.3 Earthquake

A major earthquake has struck the New Zealand city of Christchurch, causing extensive damage and multiple fatalities.

Officials say a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit early afternoon Tuesday. Police report fatalities in several parts of the city and numerous injuries. They say two buses were crushed by falling buildings.

Many buildings in the city center collapsed, and Christchurch cathedral was heavily damaged. Power and telephone lines are cut in some places. Some roads caved in and at least one bridge has been damaged.

Thousands of people have fled buildings and gathered in the streets of Christchurch as the city is now being hit by a series of aftershocks.

Flights in and out of Christchurch were temporarily cancelled.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblor was centered about 5 kilometers from the city at a depth of 4 kilometers.

Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city, was hit by a 7.1- magnitude earthquake last September and a series of aftershock has rattled the city ever since.

Mayor Bob Parker told Radio New Zealand that Tuesday's temblor felt like a whole new earthquake had struck, and not an aftershock.

The mayor advised people not to drive.

New Zealand's geological service says the earthquake has caused more damage than the stronger one in September because of its relatively shallow depth.