Another powerful earthquake struck the beleaguered city of Christchurch, New Zealand, on Monday, destroying buildings and causing landslides.
The city was shaken by several strong aftershocks on Monday, and the central city area including the central police station was evacuated.
Four months ago, the city was ravaged by 6.3-magnitude earthquake, which prompted evacuations and destroyed much of the city’s infrastructure. More than 180 people were killed.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a 6.0-magnitude aftershock stuck eight miles northeast of Christchurch at a depth of 5.6 miles Monday afternoon.
New Zealand’s Civil Defense agency activated the National Crisis Management Centre to monitor the aftershocks.
The agency said that it received unconfirmed reports that 10 people were injured during the quake with no fatalities. There were no reports of people being trapped in buildings either.
More buildings in Christchurch’s business district were damaged and some collapsed.
Soil liquefaction was also reported in the areas of Sumner and Bexley and rock falls were observed in and around Sumner.
"We are being enveloped with dust," Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said, according to The Associated Press. "It is very, very scary."
Reports say that a number of residents have fled buildings in the city. "All the shops have fallen down," said Renee Murray, according to AP. "Half of the roof has fallen in (but) they have not fully collapsed." [sic]
