The death toll from the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch earlier this week rose Thursday, with at least 98 confirmed deaths and 226 reported missing, police said. Police Superintendent Dave Cliff told reporters that he had "grave fears" for the missing and authorities were having difficulty identifying victims because of the condition the bodies they were found. The somber announcement came as authorities continued more house-to-house searches in a desperate hunt for survivors. The quake struck Tuesday, toppling buildings, buckling streets and ripping the facades of iconic churches, including the Christchurch Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.