New Zealand Quake Causes 'Significant' Damage

7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Christchurch early Saturday
04 September 2010

New Zealand authorities say a strong earthquake that shook the country's second largest city of Christchurch has caused significant damage to infrastructure, but no deaths.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker declared a state of emergency Saturday after the pre-dawn quake on New Zealand's South Island. Government seismologists put the magnitude at 7.1, while the U.S. Geological Survey gave a lower figure of 7.0.

Only two serious injuries were reported - one man hit by a falling chimney and another hurt by glass. New Zealand Civil Defense Minister John Carter says his nation is "extremely lucky" that there were no fatalities. the rest