At least 65 people have been killed in a 6.3 magnitude earthquake in southern New Zealand, the country's prime minister said on Tuesday.
The earthquake struck New Zealand's South Island and its largest city of Christchurch at around 1 p.m. local time, toppling buildings and destroying roads. Many buildings were engulfed by fire following the quake.
Authorities fear that the death toll could rise as dozens remain trapped under debris. The TVNZ television station said up to 200 people are still missing.
"We can't rule out the death toll climbing further from there," New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said.
The downtown area of Christchurch city has been "utterly destroyed", he went on.
In September, Christchurch was hit by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, which caused widespread damage to buildings but saw no casualties.
AUCKLAND, February 22 (RIA Novosti)
