Safety fears over five Irish citizens after quake

THERE are “serious” concerns over the safety of five Irish citizens who are still missing after the worst natural disaster to hit New Zealand in living memory.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that of the near-200 Irish people believed to have been in Christchurch when the 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck, there are general concerns for about 70.

Five more Irish citizens are missing, with officials saying there are “serious” concerns they may have lost their lives in New Zealand’s worst natural disaster in living memory which has left at least 75 people dead and scores missing or trapped under rumble.