This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

A strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake has struck the city of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island, seriously injuring people and damaging buildings throughout the city.

Video footage showed damaged buildings throughout the city centre, with bricks and shattered concrete strewn across the pavement. Hundreds of dazed, screaming and crying residents wandered through the streets as sirens blared throughout the city.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said he was on the top floor of the city council building when the quake hit, throwing him across the room.

"I got down onto the street and there were scenes of great confusion, a lot of very upset people," he said. "I know of people in our building who are injured and I've had some reports of serious injuries throughout the city."

Radio New Zealand reported that a church near the city centre collapsed. The station also said staffers in its Christchurch newsroom had to cling to their desks during the shaking, with large filing cabinets toppling over.

"What I can see from where I am in the central city is that there are significant amounts of additional damage," Parker said.

The US Geological Survey said the temblor was centred 3 miles from the city at a depth of 2.5 miles.

Christchurch has been hit by hundreds of aftershocks since a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck on 4 September last year, causing extensive damage and a handful of injuries, but no deaths.