Christchurch Earthquake

[rachelbean]

Just saw this and then Alan C posting about it on FB...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=10708043

Prime Minister John Key has told reporters that the death toll from today's magnitude 6.3 earthquake stands at 65, and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it could quite possibly double.

Speaking from Christchurch after flying down this afternoon, Mr Key told One News it was likely the quake would prove to be New Zealand's "darkest day".

TVNZ reports up to 200 people remained trapped in damaged buildings.

Mr Key said New Zealanders should be assured the Government was doing everything it could.

There were 180 police on the ground, a further 200 were on the way and 350 military were already in Christchurch with another 250 to arrive soon.

The Government had accepted offers of specialist help from Australia and US.

"I don't think we can go past the fact that we may well be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day."

The latest "very fluid" advice was that the death toll 65, "and that may rise".

"It's an absolute tragedy for this city, for New Zealand, for the people we care so much about and it's a terrifying time for the people of Canterbury.

"Quite frankly it's hard to know what to say.

"It's just a scene of utter devestation, it's just so vastly different from the last earthquake where, yes, there were some horrifying scenes but this is central city at a very, very busy time where you've had a massive earthquake.

"It's been violent shaking on probably what was very weakened infrastructure."

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker says: "As daylight comes tomorrow we need to prepare ourselves for what is likely to be significant numbers of casulaties."

[Alan C]

It's horrible.
A good friend of mines father is trapped at the moment, his fiancé has friends down there too.

[Atheist-Lite]

Unlucky. One of the dangers of living in a earthquake zone.

[Clinton Huxley]

Hope all's well, AC. Sounds terrifying. We don't realise how lucky we are in Blighty. Last time I remember an earthquake, it dislodged a mote of dust off the ceiling and that was about it.

[Rum]

Good luck to anyone affected by this!

[Thinking Aloud]

Eeek. Went to Christchurch in early 2003, and I remember it being a very beautiful place. Hoping the toll doesn't rise further...

[Random Mutant]

Eeek. Went to Christchurch in early 2003, and I remember it being a very beautiful place. Hoping the toll doesn't rise further...

The predictions are for a death toll of several hundred, possibly making it NZ's worst natural disaster, even exceeding the Napier quake in 1931.

I know lots of people in Chch, went to university there and have family there as well. They're all shaken, but not too stirred. My thoughts are with everyone affected.

Regular updates at http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=10707997

[JimC]

Bloody awful. Been watching it on the news. Hope to see more miraculous rescues from the rubble...

When re-building occurs, some serious thinking about engineering must occur...

[Faithfree]

It's horrible.
A good friend of mines father is trapped at the moment, his fiancé has friends down there too.

Absolutely terrible!
I hope your friend's dad is freed soon, AC.

[Feck]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/2011/ ... 145575.htm

[Gawdzilla Sama]

New Zealand Christchurch Earthquake : Atheist point of view

[Alan C]

Indeed.

I haven't heard anything yet, I'm sure I will when he does.

[Azathoth]

Hope your grandad is OK Alan

It's just a scene of utter devestation

[Alan C]

Oop, friend's father.

[Alan C]

Just heard, he's ok.