26/02/2011 10:41
New Zealand earthquake death toll reaches 145
The confirmed death toll from the New Zealand Christchurch earthquake rose to 145 on Saturday evening, while the number of missing people remains at more than 200, according to Xinhua.
Superintendent Dave Cliff said at a media briefing on Saturday evening that more deaths have been confirmed on Saturday afternoon and a temporary mortuary had been set up at Burnham military camp to identify bodies.
Thirty family liaison teams have been contacting families in New Zealand and overseas.
Officials said Christchurch central city will be closed for months, and in the meantime patrols would monitor the area round the clock.