Quake toll rises to 147

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Sunday announced the launch of a fundraising event as the death toll in the devastating Christchurch earthquake rose to 147, the media said.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Sunday announced the launch of a fundraising event as the death toll in the devastating Christchurch earthquake rose to 147, the media said.

HT Image

Police Superintendent Dave Cliff said more than 200 people, including a police officer, were still missing, the New Zealand Herald reported. The officer confirmed 147 deaths.

Search and rescue teams continue the slow and painstaking process of sifting through the city's rubble.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal is a global fundraising announced by Key is meant to help the city and its citizens recover from the Feb 22 6.3 magnitude quake that unleashed death and destruction.

"It's vital we reach as many people throughout the world as possible who want to help," Key said.