Earthquake rocks New Zealand

Two women look at the damage in Christchurch, New Zealand, after the early-morning earthquake. (Carys Monteath / AFP/Getty Images)

March 10, 2014 6:17 PM PT

An earthquake of 7.4 magnitude struck 20 miles west of Christchurch early Saturday leaving large parts of the city in ruins.

People stand outside a damaged building in central Christchurch. There were reports of minor injuries, structural damage and gas leaks, cutting power, and rupturing water and sewer mains. (David Alexander / Associated Press)

Owners Dean Marshall, left, and Shaun Stockman are seen outside their quake-damaged building in central Christchurch. The New Zealand Herald quoted Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker as saying the damage was “a bit like an iceberg. There is, in a sense, below the visible line significant structural damage.” (David Alexander / Associated Press)

A car is crushed under rubble from a building in central Christchurch. (David Alexander / Associated Press)

Rescue workers begin the job of clearing debris and rubble in in Christchurch. (David Alexander / Associated Press)

Rubble blocks a street in Christchurch, where police said at least 20 roads were damaged, some impassable. Officials advised people to stay home. (David Alexander / Associated Press)

A car damaged by rubble in Christchurch. The New Zealand Herald quoted a man who lives in the southern coastal suburb of Southshore as describing the quake as “incredibly long and tortuous.” (David Alexander / Associated Press)