CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AP) -- One of New Zealand's biggest cities lay in ruins Tuesday after a powerful earthquake toppled tall buildings and churches on a busy weekday, killing at least 65 people in the country's worst natural disaster in decades.
The earthquake struck Christchurch, the country's second largest city, around lunchtime when offices were occupied and stores and streets were bustling with people.
“It was so loud, and everything just started shaking,” added Betty. “You felt like — have you ever been on a small boat in the ocean? You can’t stand up straight. Everything is shaking, moving underneath you. You feel like you’re drunk. I never want to live through that again.”
People trapped under rubble of collapsed buildings
* City evacuated amid fears of fires and more devastation
* Second huge shock follows initial quake
* Famous Christchurch Cathedral destroyed
Up to 300 people are feared dead after a major earthquake brought down buildings in the centre of Christchurch, New Zealand, during the busy lunchtime today.
The airport was closed and Christchurch Hospital was briefly evacuated before it was deemed safe and patients were allowed to return. Power and telephone lines were knocked out, and pipes burst, flooding some streets.
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