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A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake has rocked the southern New Zealand city of Christchurch. Police have confirmed multiple fatalities. And serious injuries and damage were reported throughout the city.

Sirens blared throughout the city. Sidewalks and roads were cracked and split.

Radio New Zealand reported that a church near the city centre collapsed. There were other reports that two buses had been crushed by falling buildings.

The US Geological Survey said the tremor was centered 5 kilometers from the city at a depth of only 4 kilometers. Injuries are expected to be numerous.

Injured Man, said, "Actually, I was coming out, was stuck in the door, and I hit the table you know, the table in the restaurant. Two, three people just fallen on me."

A 5.6 aftershock hit shortly thereafter.

Prime Minister John Key told Parliament details were still sketchy.

John Key, Prime Minister, said, "The worrying fear, of course, is that this earthquake has taken place at a time when people were going about their business - it is a very populated time, with people at work, children at school. Sadly, I cannot rule out that there have been fatalities."

Police said there were other reports of fires burning in the city and people being trapped in buildings.

The airport was closed and Christchurch Hospital was evacuated. Power and telephone lines were knocked out. The quake was also been felt in nearby areas.

Sitting on the Pacific "ring of fire", Christchurch has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks since a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck nearly five months ago.

The city is home to about 350 thousand people and is considered a tourist centre and gateway to the South Island.

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