WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has flown to Christchurch to inspect the damage from a 7.1 magnitude earthquake and says it's am "absolute miracle" no one was killed.
He says it could be months before the full extent of the damage is known, but initial Treasury assessments suggest it could cost at least $1.4 billion to repair.
As evening approached and a damaged historic building near the city center burst into flames, officials ordered city residents to stay in their homes until tomorrow morning. Officials say the curfew will help prevent people from going near some 120 badly damaged inner-city buildings.
Rescue workers also set up shelters at schools in suburban areas.
There are reports of some people trapped but not crushed by debris and a few instances of looting.
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<<CUT …329 (09/03/10)>> 00:11 "across the city"
Bob Parker
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker appeals to the public to stay away from rivers where waste water has been allowed to flow in because of damage to sewers and pumping stations. COURTESY: TVNZ ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …328 (09/03/10)>> 00:13 "emergency measures there"
Bob Parker
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the quake damaged sewer mains and pumping stations. COURTESY: TVNZ ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …327 (09/03/10)>> 00:10 "gradually being restored"
Bob Parker
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the quake caused a lot of damage to his city. COURTESY: TVNZ ((mandatory on-air credit))
