Quakes hit New Zealand city still getting over 182 deaths

CHRISTMAS shoppers fled into the streets today when a series of earthquakes struck Christchurch, the New Zealand city still recovering from a devastating quake on February 22 this year that killed 182 people. Some shops are still operating out of shopping containers as the city’s massive rebuilding project slowly progresses.

There were few serious injuries reported today, but reporters talk of a sense of terror among residents, many of whom lost family and friends in the February quake (above). The Sydney Morning Herald reports firefighters being called to help rescue residents trapped on the second floor of a nursing home and the Coastguard rescuing a group trapped by rockfall. Around 26,000 homes were left without electricity.

ABC quotes a St John Ambulance official saying some people had to be helped with "emotional difficulties". There were fears for the demolition crews still working on taking down buildings wrecked in February.

The city airport was evacuated and all shopping malls closed after the first 5.8 magnitude quake struck at 1.58 pm local time (2.58am UK time) 16 miles north of the city. This was followed eight minutes later by a 5.3 aftershock and, another eight minutes on, a minor 4.2 rattle. An hour later came a 6.0 quake, with another 5.0 jolt half an hour later.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has issued a statement saying his heart goes out to the people of Christchurch and Canterbury, the eastern region of the South Island where Christchurch is located.

MSN.NZ reports the deputy mayor of Christchurch, Ngaire Button, saying a few hours ago: "Our hearts go out to the people of Christchurch tonight. We're just devastated that this has happened at this time of the year, right before Christmas." ·