At least 65 dead, 200 missing in Christchurch quake

A powerful earthquake killed at least 65 people in New Zealand's second city Christchurch on Tuesday. Another 200 people are feared to be trapped under the rubble.

Rescue teams attempt to reach survivors in Christchurch, 22 February 2011. Reuters/TV3

The 6.3-magnitude quake struck around midday, while the streets were full of people on their lunch breaks.

A five-day state of emergency has been declared.

Several buildings were badly damaged, including the city's cathedral, whose spire collapsed. Some power lines were cut and mobile phone networks disrupted. Road and rail lines have also been affected.

Rescue teams in helicopter and on foot continue to search for survivors.

This could be New Zealand's "darkest day", said Prime Minister John Key.

The earthquake is the deadliest to strike the country since a 7.8-magnitude tremor killed 256 people in 1931.

Christchurch was hit by a 7.0-magnitude quake in September 2010, but no one was killed. Seismologists say Tuesday's earthquake was more damaging because it occured nearer the city centre and much closer to the earth's surface.