Earthquake leaves New Zealand's second largest city in ruinsFebruary 22, 2011 - 22:19 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - New Zealand's second largest city, Christchurch, laid in ruins Tuesday, devastated by a massive earthquake that toppled tall buildings and churches during a busy workday. The quake killed at least 65 people and many more were missing. More than 100 people, including as many as 12 visiting Japanese students, were thought to be trapped underneath rubble as drizzling rain fell on the city at nightfall. A visibly shaken Prime Minister John Key said the world may well be witnessing "New Zealand's darkest day." Rescue crews with sniffer dogs fanned out across the city in search of survivors, some of whom sent desperate text messages and made cell phone calls from under the wreckage of the 6.3 magnitude quake. Television footage showed several multistory buildings that fell in on themselves or into the streets, as well as the collapse of the Christchurch Cathedral, whose stone spire crumbled into a city square. Rescue workers say they believe people were in the tower at the time. Helicopters were seen fighting fires and plucking stranded workers from the roofs of high-rise office towers., VOA reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Azerbaijan yet to respond to Armenia’s proposal to probe ceasefire violations Azerbaijan has not yet responded to Armenia’s proposal to create a mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations, Armen Grigoryan has said. Yerevan says received 10th draft of peace treaty proposals from Baku Armen Grigoryan has revealed that Armenia has received the 10th package of peace treaty proposals from Azerbaijan. Armenia, Germany discuss ties, South Caucasus peace process Armenian lawmakers met with the Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Tobias Lindner. Kevin Spacey to attend Golden Apricot Film Festival in Yerevan Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey will be a guest of honor at the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival 2024, the press service of the festival reports. |