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One in 3 Buildings Face Demolition After NZ Quake

Hundreds of suburban homes might come down as well

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2011 9:55 AM CST

(Newser) – Just how powerful was that earthquake in New Zealand? One structural engineer assessing the damage estimates that one in three buildings in the city center of Christchurch might have to come down, reports BBC. In addition, hundreds of suburban homes look to be doomed as well. Damage from the 6.3-magnitude quake was magnified because it had one of biggest measures of ground acceleration (or "extreme shaking") ever recorded. Click for more on that. The death toll has risen to 144, as hope for the remaining 200 missing people fades.

Maree, left, daughter Jasmine, center, and Norm Butcher take a last look at their destroyed home in Christchurch, New Zealand , Saturday. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)

Recovery workers sift through the rubble of the earthquake-damaged CTV building in Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Recovery workers inspect the Pyne Gould Corporation building in Christchurch. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

Representatives from the United Kingdom Fire and Rescue Service inspect the damaged buildings in Colombo Street, Christchurch. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

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One in 3 Buildings Face Demolition After NZ Quake

Hundreds of suburban homes might come down as well

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Yet Another Quake Hits Christchurch

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Even modern safety codes can't stand up to a powerful tremor

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