Shaking All over; THE WORLD'S BIGGEST EARTHQUAKES

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Byline: DEMELZA de BURCA

DEVASTATED Christchurch is coming to terms this week with the horrific earthquake that shattered the New Zealand city and killed at least 159 residents.

The bodies of some victims may never be recovered because they were pulverised by buildings that collapsed around them and the final death toll is likely to be around 240.

The 6.3 magnitude quake struck within a few miles of central Christchurch when the city was bustling with workers, shoppers and tourists going about their weekday afternoon activities.

It brought down or severely damaged office towers, churches and thousands of homes and will forever be remembered as one of the country's darkest days.

But for centuries natural disasters have etched their names into history, and earthquakes in particular are one of the …