New Zealand Losing Hope for 223 Still Missing

Nearly 100 already dead in Christchurch earthquake
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 24, 2011 2:33 PM CST
New Zealand Losing Hope for 223 Still Missing
A car lies under rubble outside the Rugby World Cup venue AMI Stadium in Christchurch, New Zealand, Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011.   (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

The devastating earthquake that hit New Zealand has already claimed 98 lives, but as rescuers comb through ruins in Christchurch, officials fear there may be no hope for the 223 still missing. The wreckage of the Canterbury TV building, under which 120 people were trapped, and Christchurch cathedral is thought to be "100% unsurvivable." Prime Minister John Key said he was "fearful tonight that the death toll could be much greater than any of us have ever feared," the Telegraph reports. (More Christchurch stories.)

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