6.3 magnitude quake hits New Zealand’s Christchurch

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hits New Zealand’s Christchurch anew with reports of multiple fatalities and multiple building collapses. Christchurch suffered the most destructive quake to hit New Zealand in 80 years last September 2010 when a 7.0-magnitude quake damaged 100,000 homes.

WELLINGTON—A large 6.3 magnitude earthquake rocked New Zealand’s second largest city Christchurch Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said, sparking reports of damage and injuries.

Witnesses said roads buckled and buildings collapsed when the quake hit at 12:51 p.m. (2351 GMT Monday) five kilometers (three miles) from the city at a depth of just four kilometers.

Christchurch was struck by a 7.0 magnitude quake on September 4 last year.