New Zealand falls silent in quake memorial, toll rises

CHRISTCHURCH (Reuters) - New Zealand came to a standstill on Tuesday as people marked the moment a deadly earthquake shattered the country's second biggest city Christchurch a week ago, claiming at least 154 lives.

Muffled church bells signalled the moment -- 12.51 p.m. (2351 GMT) -- a week ago when the magnitude 6.3 quake struck, levelling buildings and sending masonry and bricks onto streets filled with lunchtime shoppers and office workers.