New Zealand Earthquake Kills 65

New Zealand's prime minister says at least 65 people are dead in an earthquake that struck the city of Christchurch, collapsing numerous buildings as people worked inside.

Prime Minister John Key said the 6.3-magnitude quake, which struck around lunchtime Tuesday, is "an absolute tragedy" for the city and its people.

Police reported fatalities in several parts of the city and numerous injuries.  They say two buses were crushed by falling buildings.

Many buildings in the city center collapsed, and Christchurch cathedral was heavily damaged.  Power and telephone lines are cut in some places.  Some roads caved in and at least one bridge has been damaged.

Thousands of people have fled buildings and gathered in the streets of Christchurch as the city is now being hit by a series of aftershocks.

Flights in and out of Christchurch were temporarily cancelled.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered about 5 kilometers from the city at a depth of 4 kilometers.