Quake in Christchurch

[phoenixnz]

I thought I'd just post this - hope it's okay to post it here.

For those of you who might not have heard, there was a large earthquake in one of New Zealand's major cities at 4.35am Saturday (around midday Friday in New York)

The earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter Scale and was fairly shallow. It was felt as far south as Invercargill and as far north as New Plymouth.

To my friends: I'm in Auckland and no, it wasn't felt here. We'd be in serious trouble if it was.

To those who have friends in Christchurch - do not panic if you can't reach your friends or family there. Please don't try and call them unless it's a real emergency as the phone companies are on back up power and have asked residents not to use their cellphones unless it's a real emergency.

From what I've heard so far, there's been no power to the city in some areas and the central part is closed off due to rubble.

Also from what I've heard there have only been two people who have been hospitalised with injuries. No one has died. I can post more when I know more.

[gem65]

I'm glad to know that you're okay and that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I want to meet you someday so you have to be okay. I know that sounds a little selfish, but I can't help it.

[phoenixnz]

I'm glad to know that you're okay and that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I want to meet you someday so you have to be okay. I know that sounds a little selfish, but I can't help it.

Not selfish at all.

I just had a call from my Mum. I have a great-uncle who lives in the area - he has power and water and he's fine. There wasn't too much damage to his place, which is a relief. He's in his eighties and definitely not as fit as he used to be.

[gem65]

Not selfish at all.

I just had a call from my Mum. I have a great-uncle who lives in the area - he has power and water and he's fine. There wasn't too much damage to his place, which is a relief. He's in his eighties and definitely not as fit as he used to be.

:D :D :D

He's a very lucky man. It could have been worse. As for being in his eighties - I'm sure he's grateful that he can talk and walk around. My father can no longer do those things. He can speak a few words, but mostly it's gibberish that comes out of his mouth.

As for the weather - It was supposed to be windy and rainy today because of Hurricane Earl, but it never came. I hope it's not a delayed kind of thing because Steve is coming tomorrow and I wouldn't want him driving 4-5 hours in that kind of weather.

[phoenixnz]

:D :D :D

He's a very lucky man. It could have been worse. As for being in his eighties - I'm sure he's grateful that he can talk and walk around. My father can no longer do those things. He can speak a few words, but mostly it's gibberish that comes out of his mouth.

As for the weather - It was supposed to be windy and rainy today because of Hurricane Earl, but it never came. I hope it's not a delayed kind of thing because Steve is coming tomorrow and I wouldn't want him driving 4-5 hours in that kind of weather.

Absolutely. At least with hurricanes you get a bit of advanced warning.


Here's the latest: Power has been restored to some parts of the city and phone networks are using mains as well as backup generators. The networks are still asking people not to call unless it's dire and to use analogue phones with landlines if they have them. But they hope to have power fully restored by the end of the day.

Also there may still be more aftershocks.

More on this when I have it.

[phoenixnz]

Latest update: they're just playing the news on tv. Quite a few people had some extremely lucky escapes. One had a wall collapse and he'd only just managed to roll off his bed in time. Another wall collapse in another house and the person sleeping had just got up to save a piece of furniture. Quite freaky.
NZ Government has already stepped in to pledge their support.

[godesssiri]

I have an uncle living in Christchuch, he's just called my mother to let her know they have the power and water back on and the worst damage they have is a couple of cracked windows. I live in Wellington, 304km (189 miles) NW of Christchurch and I did feel the quake but all it did was make my chandeliere jingle - I rolled over and went back to sleep.

There's some scary pictures on the news but most of those damaged buildings seem to be older ones. I'd say that the majority were built before the 1931 Napier quake taught New Zealand and object lesson on how not to build when you live on the edge of a tectonic plate, our engineers are very quake concious.

Of course my 89 year old great Aunty who lived through the Napier quake had to be convinced that she wasn't going to have to go down to the school and sleep in tents tonight because the house wasn't safe. The pictures on the news made her have flash-backs.

[phoenixnz]

I have an uncle living in Christchuch, he's just called my mother to let her know they have the power and water back on and the worst damage they have is a couple of cracked windows. I live in Wellington, 304km (189 miles) NW of Christchurch and I did feel the quake but all it did was make my chandeliere jingle - I rolled over and went back to sleep.

There's some scary pictures on the news but most of those damaged buildings seem to be older ones. I'd say that the majority were built before the 1931 Napier quake taught New Zealand and object lesson on how not to build when you live on the edge of a tectonic plate, our engineers are very quake concious.

Of course my 89 year old great Aunty who lived through the Napier quake had to be convinced that she wasn't going to have to go down to the school and sleep in tents tonight because the house wasn't safe. The pictures on the news made her have flash-backs.

I grew up in Palmy so yeah, I know all about quakes. I've only been in Auckland for the last seven years. You're right though. They've put a lot of research into earthquake proofing. I've seen the display at Te Papa a couple of times.

I've just seen some of the tweets from the Herald. Now they're saying it wasn't one big quake but three successive shocks.

I'm not surprised your great Aunty would have had flashbacks from the Napier quake. My great-Uncle told my Mum there wasn't too much damage. I think my Mum and Aunt were more worried than he was. :)

[godesssiri]

I've heard that people in appartment buildings in inner Wellington were freaking out because their whole building was swaying but, as I understand it, they're designed to do exactly that. The foundations are built so they flex instead of breaking, the building will swing durring the quake but once the tremmors stop it sits right back where it's supposed to.

[gem65]

Latest update: they're just playing the news on tv. Quite a few people had some extremely lucky escapes. One had a wall collapse and he'd only just managed to roll off his bed in time. Another wall collapse in another house and the person sleeping had just got up to save a piece of furniture. Quite freaky.
NZ Government has already stepped in to pledge their support.

Some people call it luck, but I call it Divine Intervention.

[phoenixnz]

I've heard that people in appartment buildings in inner Wellington were freaking out because their whole building was swaying but, as I understand it, they're designed to do exactly that. The foundations are built so they flex instead of breaking, the building will swing durring the quake but once the tremmors stop it sits right back where it's supposed to.

Exactly. That's what they show at Te Papa in the earthquake model. I'm not sure who actually came up with it, whether it's a Kiwi thing or whether it was researched somewhere else. I'd have to go back to the museum some time I guess, but I don't get down to Wellington that much. Haven't been back for a couple of years anyway.



Some people call it luck, but I call it Divine Intervention.

You're so right, hon. Someone was looking out for those people yesterday, that's for sure.

[phoenixnz]

They were saying on the news tonight that at least 500 buildings are damaged. I haven't heard the estimated cost of the damage yet, but I'm guessing it's pretty bad.

The weather forecast is not looking good and could cause problems for those who are already facing major repairs as high winds could make it worse.

I was pretty disgusted at some of the people going round the streets 'sightseeing'. Really, people, residents have enough to deal with without you lot poking your noses in. Either help or go away.

And I have to say, kudos to John Key and Bob Parker for stepping in and pledging their help. Thumbs up!

[phoenixnz]

Just some stuff I've been hearing in the news:

The quake that hit last Saturday morning in Christchurch is, according to scientists, on a faultline that's been apparently dormant (if that's the term) for thousands of years.

No one has been killed in the quake but there continues to be aftershocks even as the clean up has begun.

The cost of the damage is going up. I haven't seen the estimates, but it's safe to say it's millions of dollars.

Several heritage buildings have been severely damaged in the quake, incluidng one that was used as the set for the house in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

And how's this for lowest of the low? Thieves broke into a special school that was closed due to quake damage and stole equipment including digital cameras. It's bad enough that people do this at the best of times, but to do this in the middle of all that destruction is just disgusting! Anybody want to join me in catching these lowlifes and really showing them how low they are?

[gem65]

Tragic events often bring the best out of some people, but yet bring out the worst in others. I would join you in a flash if I lived closer. Unfortunately I'm about sixteen hours behind you. *sighs*

[phoenixnz]

After months of aftershocks, Christchurch was again hit today by a quake measuring 6.3 on the richter scale and there have been fatalities reported.

Here's the report from tvnz news.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/fatalities-confirmed-after-major-quake-4038278


And here's something from YouTube showing you the devastating effects.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfcWraeZvcw

My heart goes out to those in Christchurch tonight.

[obsessedwithsv]

I saw the tower of the cathedral had fallen as a result of the shocks and there were fatalities from it. Thoughts go out to everyone involved.

[phoenixnz]

Our PM is on tv right now and so far the death toll is 65 - this may go up. I don't think Christchurch and survive this.

[obsessedwithsv]

That's awful! I really hope everyone does pull together and gets through this.
So much sh*t is going on in the world right now, it's looking extremely bleak lately.

[godesssiri]

My Mum has heard from her brother in Christchurch and he's ok. I'm going to go and give blood tomorrow, they're calling for blood donors. I feel so sick and helpless seeing everyone hurt and scared on the news and I want to reach out and help them but there's nothing practical I can do right now so I'm just sitting watching all the horror unfold on the news and wanting to cry.

Oh God. The Mayor is on the news right now and he's been on several time sounding so calm and giving advice on what people should be doing and reassuring people. The Anchor just asked him how he's doing and he said he doesn't know if his Mum and Dad are ok and he hasn't heard from his family and that just hit my like a punch in the gut. He's being so calm and brave and looking after his city he doesn't know about his own family yet.

[phoenixnz]

My Mum has heard from her brother in Christchurch and he's ok. I'm going to go and give blood tomorrow, they're calling for blood donors. I feel so sick and helpless seeing everyone hurt and scared on the news and I want to reach out and help them but there's nothing practical I can do right now so I'm just sitting watching all the horror unfold on the news and wanting to cry.

Oh God. The Mayor is on the news right now and he's been on several time sounding so calm and giving advice on what people should be doing and reassuring people. The Anchor just asked him how he's doing and he said he doesn't know if his Mum and Dad are ok and he hasn't heard from his family and that just hit my like a punch in the gut. He's being so calm and brave and looking after his city he doesn't know about his own family yet.


I know, my stepdad's nephew has been working in Christchurch and I haven't heard if he's ok. But my elderly great uncle is ok - he's in Kaiapoi.

Some of the comments on Yahoo are just sickening - there's one guy making a huge joke out of it, and all I can think is, how dare he?

It's just scary what's going on.

[godesssiri]

Urgh. That's just sick. There's at least 65 dead and some dick is making a joke.

[phoenixnz]

Urgh. That's just sick. There's at least 65 dead and some dick is making a joke.


It just goes to show how small-minded some people are. :(

[codered]

Some horrible scenes of destruction and mayhem coming out of Christchurch. Have managed to contact our family down there and they're all OK.

[phoenixnz]

Some horrible scenes of destruction and mayhem coming out of Christchurch. Have managed to contact our family down there and they're all OK.

That's really good to hear, Michelle. It must be a relief for you.:)



To those who are still waiting for news of family, my thoughts are with you. :)

[godesssiri]

And now it's raining. My heart goes out to all those people who are homeless tonight, all the rescue workers who's job has just got harder and of course the people who are still trapped.

[phoenixnz]

Just an update - as of around 4pm or so, 75 deaths, 55 of them having been identified and 20 were still to be identified. 300 reported missing.

[godesssiri]

I went and gave blood. Then I stumbled across a car rental place with a hand-written sign out front saying they were taking a freight van of donations to Christchurch tonight so I went over to the Salvation Army store and bought as many blankets as I could carry and lugged them 3 blocks in the sweltering heat - at least I know that the people who'll get them will be warm tomorrow night. After dropping off my donation and being told by one of the staff to tell as many people as possible I went down the street to various shops and cafes and asked the staff to tell all of their customers where to drop anything they can spare. I feel better now that I've done something. My mother has been able to talk to her brother. They have liquefaction in the back yard (it's basicaly turned into a swamp) but the house is intact so they're way better off than a lot of people. My parents and I are buying a small rest-home very soon and Mum is working already, today they had inquiries to see if they could take some rest home residents from Christchurch if they have to be moved until things can be repaired, we're full up right now but we could have a couple of spare beds next week so if they do need to move people we can take a couple.

[phoenixnz]

The official death toll is now at 98 with over 226 missing.

Some names are being released.

[godesssiri]

I'm going to work tomorrow on the 10th floor of an inner city building (I only work in that building 3 days a week and this will be the first time I've gone back since the quake) and I have to admit I'm kinda nervous. Everyone always thought that when New Zealand had 'the big one' it would be here in Wellington and I had someone today telling me that the pressure on the Christchuch fault system is putting pressure on the Wellington fault. I'm gonna make sure I have my fully charged cell phone on me at all times. Today I bought a led flashlight and a whistle to go on my keyring so if get trapped I have a light source and a way of letting rescuers know I'm there. I've also checked over my disater kit to make sure I have everything I would need and I got a new lantern and some more spare batteries. this sort of thing really makes you think 'what if?'.

There's some Wellington boys taking a bus down to Christchurch on Saturday that they're going to pack with toiletries and baby consumables. My mum told me to get $20 worth for each person in our family and my friend Liz gave me $50 after I told her about it when we had lunch today so I spent a couple of hours this afternoon shuttling supplies between the supermarket and the drop off point at the library. I cleaned out the shelf of hand sanitiser at my favourite discount store because they have no no plumbing in Christchurch and they're being told to go into the back yard and dig a hole for the toilet but then how do you wash your hands?

My mum and her sister have been talking about trying to convince thier brother to move away from Christchurch. He was starting to go batty with the aftershocks at Christmas time (they had a pretty big one on the 26th). Now we're all just scared for him and both physicaly and mentaly. We all want him to move back to our family's home town. He might, his son and 5 grandkids live there so he has good reason. I have my fingers crossed. He won't be the only person, there's lots of people who just want to get out of there and not go back. They had the huge but non-lethan quake in September, then months of aftershocks and just when they were starting to feel safe this happens.

[phoenixnz]

I'm going to work tomorrow on the 10th floor of an inner city building (I only work in that building 3 days a week and this will be the first time I've gone back since the quake) and I have to admit I'm kinda nervous. Everyone always thought that when New Zealand had 'the big one' it would be here in Wellington and I had someone today telling me that the pressure on the Christchuch fault system is putting pressure on the Wellington fault. I'm gonna make sure I have my fully charged cell phone on me at all times. Today I bought a led flashlight and a whistle to go on my keyring so if get trapped I have a light source and a way of letting rescuers know I'm there. I've also checked over my disater kit to make sure I have everything I would need and I got a new lantern and some more spare batteries. this sort of thing really makes you think 'what if?'.

There's some Wellington boys taking a bus down to Christchurch on Saturday that they're going to pack with toiletries and baby consumables. My mum told me to get $20 worth for each person in our family and my friend Liz gave me $50 after I told her about it when we had lunch today so I spent a couple of hours this afternoon shuttling supplies between the supermarket and the drop off point at the library. I cleaned out the shelf of hand sanitiser at my favourite discount store because they have no no plumbing in Christchurch and they're being told to go into the back yard and dig a hole for the toilet but then how do you wash your hands?

My mum and her sister have been talking about trying to convince thier brother to move away from Christchurch. He was starting to go batty with the aftershocks at Christmas time (they had a pretty big one on the 26th). Now we're all just scared for him and both physicaly and mentaly. We all want him to move back to our family's home town. He might, his son and 5 grandkids live there so he has good reason. I have my fingers crossed. He won't be the only person, there's lots of people who just want to get out of there and not go back. They had the huge but non-lethan quake in September, then months of aftershocks and just when they were starting to feel safe this happens.

I'm not surprised you're nervous. You're right - they've always said that if the big one hit it would be Wellington - the fact that it was Christchurch has been a fright for everyone. I was born in Palmy and grew up with earthquakes too, and I used to think they were no big deal - now, well, it's been quite a wake-up call. It makes me even more nervous about Auckland now, because a quake here would only mean one thing for Auckland - volcanoes. That's the thing really - I mean, people think it can't happen and then it does.

Your uncle should leave Christchurch. It's why I worry about my mum's uncle - he's elderly and not well. It's just too much to take right now.

[godesssiri]

A quake in Auckland would be terrifying. Not just the threat of volcanic eruption, Auckland's so spread out and the motorways and bridges can be enough of a nightmare when they're perfectly intact. Not to mention it's New Zealand's biggest city.

I've offered my uncle and his wife my spare room if they want to get away for a while but her mum is in a rest-home and needs specialist care so they can't just pack her up and take off.

I am heartened by the love and generosity that's pouring from all over New Zealand - and all over the world. If any Aussies are reading this; we love our ANZAC mates - you guys were here within hours. I had a friend who's a British immigrant proudly tell me that a team arrived from the UK within 38 hours and it's a 36 hour flight. I've also just read that President Obama spoke to our Prime Minister today saying that the US stand ready to send more help.