THE major earthquake that hit New Zealand's second largest city this morning has caused an unknown number of deaths and extensive destruction to buildings. These interactive photos show the effects of the quake on the streets of Christchurch.

This shows the damage done to Christchurch Cathedral, a landmark of Christchurch that has been a part of the city for nearly 150 years.

The 6.3 Magnitude earthquake that struck yesterday has destroyed the building, toppling the spire.

The cathedral's spire stood 63m above Cathedral Square.

The cathedral was under repair for damage sustained in aftershocks on Boxing Day last year.



The Reverend Peter Beck, Dean of Christchurch said at the time the cathedral escaped destruction during the earthquake, telling stuff.co.nz: "My thanks go to council for all that earthquake strengthening work. Without that we would have had major damage.''

Unfortunately Christchurch Cathedral was not so lucky this time.

In other areas of the city, streets were filled with rubble and buildings crushed by the force of the quake.

More before-and-after pictures show how the earthquake has dramatically changed Christchurch's landscape.

The Knox Church in Christchurch CBD near the corner of Bealey Avenue and Victoria St - just around the corner from an insurance company. Picture: Twitter user David Richards ( @richardsd ) and Google

Pedro's Restaurant, near the corner of Manchester St and Worcester St. Picture: Twitter user @PolarBearFarm and Google.

Debris crushed a bus on Colombo St near Mollett St. Picture: Martin Hunter / Getty Images and Google



The bus was crushed just blocks away from Christchurch Hospital. Picture: Martin Hunter / Getty Images and Google



Outside the Civic-Zinc Bar in Christchurch CBD, looking north along Manchester St. Picture: Twitter user @PolarBearFarm and Google





Rubble crushed cars on Wakefield Avenue, Sumner, which is about 13km out of Christchurch CBD and closer to the quake's epicentre in Lyttelton, which was about 7km away. Picture: Twitter user @gavb and Google