Searchers give up hope of earthquake survivors

CHRISTCHURCH

Authorities in New Zealand have announced that they are now making the transition from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.

Authorities in New Zealand have announced that they are now making the transition from a rescue operation to a recovery operation.

They said that no sign of life had been discovered since mid afternoon on the day after the earthquake, which left large portions of Christchurch in ruins.

Jim Stuart-Black, who is managing the urban search and rescue teams, said it was common internationally to make this transition after 72 hours.

“And here we are eight days beyond that period,” he said.

Police said that families were being informed.

Mr Stuart-Black said it “clearly has been a difficult but considered decision. It’s a decision which is based on the facts and also based on discussions with my colleagues and the team leaders with the international teams.”

The confirmed death toll is now 161 but police have revised down the final predicted toll from 240 to 220.

First published in The Age.