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A state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand's second largest city after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake collapsed walls and cut off power.
No tsunami alert was issued and there appeared to be only two serious injuries, but looters broke into some damaged shops in Christchurch, police said.The powerful tremor hit 19 miles (30km) west of the city.
Christchurch mayor Bob Parker declared a state of emergency after receiving reports of widespread damage.
He said the "sharp, vicious earthquake has caused significant damage in parts of the city... with walls collapsed that have fallen into the streets".
Rubble after the earthquake in Christchurch
Chimneys and walls had fallen from older buildings, with roads blocked, traffic lights out and power, gas and water supplies disrupted, he said.Officers cordoned off some streets due to rubble and 'quake damage.
Police inspector Mike Coleman said: "There is considerable damage in the central city and we've also had reports of looting, just shop windows broken and easy picking of displays.
"It's very unsafe to be out and about."
Damaged road (Pic: Sarah King)
The quake hit at 4.35am (4.35pm GMT) shaking, thousands of people awake, New Zealand's National Radio reported.Christchurch International Airport was closed after the tremor as a precaution, as experts prepared to check the runways and airport terminals, a spokesman said.
New Zealand sits above an area of the Earth's crust where two tectonic plates collide.
The country records more than 14,000 earthquakes a year - but only about 150 are felt by people. Fewer than 10 a year do any damage.
The magnitude was revised downwards from an initial estimate of 7.4, US geological survey said.
Damaged building in the southern city
