Death Toll in New Zealand Earthquake Rises, Search for Survivors Continues

The death toll in New Zealand’s earthquake has risen from the initial report of 65 people, the government reports. Prime Minister John Key said the death toll was at 98 Thursday, but is expected to rise as hundreds of people remain missing. He called the situation in Christchurch “heartbreaking.”

“This may be New Zealand’s darkest day,” said Key.

Rescuers continue to dig through rubble looking for survivors. Christchurch has been divided in to a grid pattern to help rescue teams with their operations.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch Tuesday afternoon around 1 o’clock. It was followed by several powerful aftershocks. Buildings were toppled, roads were cracked and shifted, and debris crushed vehicles. Power and communication outages were reported throughout the city. Many streets were flooded as water mains had burst.

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