New Zealand: 'Utter devastation' after major quake, aftershocks hit New Zealand
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake pummeled central New Zealand early on Monday, killing at least two people, damaging roads and buildings and setting off hundreds of strong aftershocks.
Emergency response teams flew by helicopter to the region at the epicenter of the tremor, which struck just after midnight some 91 km (57 miles) northeast of Christchurch in the South Island, amid reports of injuries and collapsed buildings.
"It's just utter devastation, I just don't know ... that's months of work," New Zealand Prime Minister John Key told Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee after flying over the coastal town of Kaikoura, according to Brownlee's Twitter account.
Read more ....
MIDDLE EAST
Islamic State ousted from Yazidi villages west of Mosul -Kurdish-Yazidi force. Iraqi troops enter town of famed ancient ruins near Mosul.
Syrian rebels battle each other north of Aleppo.
Turkish warplanes strike 15 targets in Syria's al Bab area: military. Turkish jets hit al-Bab in push to take ISIL's Raqqa.
Lavrov and Kerry agree to continue consultations on Syria.
EU puts Syrian central bank governor under sanctions. EU sanctions 17 Syrian ministers, central bank governor.
Syrian refugees regret move to Gaza.
Kerry in Oman for Yemen peace talks.
Israeli ministers vote in favour of legalising outposts.
ASIA
Pakistani troops killed by Indian shelling in Kashmir, says military. Pakistan: Seven soldiers killed by India shelling in Kashmir.
Myanmar government kills dozens of Rohingya 'attackers' over weekend.
In phone call, China's Xi tells Trump cooperation is only choice.
China threatens to cut sales of iPhones and US cars if 'naive' Trump pursues trade war.
Afghan leader defies parliament by telling sacked ministers to stay.
Australia PM: No refugees will be sent to US this year.
New Zealand earthquake leaves costly destruction in its wake. New Zealand: Dozens of aftershocks follow deadly earthquake. 'Utter devastation' after major quake, aftershocks hit New Zealand.
AFRICA
Boko Haram leader warns Trump 'war has just begun'.
Nigerian police, Shi'ite Muslims clash in Kano state, nine dead.
Former Congolese rebel seeks to suspend war crimes trial.
Guinea Bissau president says will dissolve government.
Zimbabwe's army chief says military has no role in Mugabe successor.
Kenya to miss November deadline to close Somali refugee camp.
South African minister denies rhino poaching allegation.
EUROPE
EU ministers meet to talk strategy after Trump's electoral victory.
EU will maintain Russia policies, even if US changes course – Mogherini.
EU ministers reaffirm Iran deal, seek more regional security.
EU criticizes Turkey but not ready to halt membership talks.
Pro-Russia candidate Igor Dodon to win Moldova presidential election. Moldovans protest election of pro-Russia President.
Ukrainian MPs throw punches over accusations of Kremlin links.
German foreign minister tapped to become next president.
Poland exhumes president, others killed in 2010 plane crash.
Assange legal drama enters new phase. Assange questioned at Ecuadorean Embassy in London.
AMERICAS
Concerns about Trump loom over Obama's final foreign tour.
Yes, Trump will have broad power to crack down on immigration.
Defying Trump, Chicago will continue as immigrant sanctuary.
Mexico moves to help migrants after Trump win.
Colombian government and Farc reach new peace deal. Colombia publishes new FARC peace accord in effort to end war.
Maduro rejects elections as Venezuelan crisis deepens. Venezuela dialogue gives Maduro breather, angers opposition base.
US national debt is growing faster than you think.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
GOP senator warns of ISIS infiltrating Latin America.
Islamic State's Pakistan attack highlights changing tactics.
Afghan president asks U.N. to add Taliban leader to sanctions list.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil prices dip on OPEC oversupply & US rig count. Oil falls to three-month lows as gloom grows over OPEC.
China hints at looming trade war as Trump talks to Chinese president.
'Trump Thump' whacks bond market for $1 trillion loss.
