Another terrible earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand

[ChrisB]

I am so sad to hear this dreadful news.  I'd not seen the news this morning, so am reading it here on this thread for the first time. 

[Paul T]

Some interesting discussions happening in the news this evening.....

There is conjecture as to whether this latest quake in Christchurch is a separate quake or an aftershock of the previous quake.  Since the September quake there have been 4000 (!!!  ) aftershocks, including a very large one on Boxing Day.  The original quake (7.1 magnitude on the Richter Scale) was centred 31km below the surface, while today's quake (6.3 magnitude) was just 5km below the surface.  That is why this one is so much more damaging than the September one.  But some are saying this is a separate quake, while others say this is just another aftershock.  This is a long time after the original quake for such a large aftershock, but there have been so many aftershocks since then that it does make it difficult to know.

They're forecasting possible loss of life as between 200 and 400, although 65 confirmed at this time.  They were just talking to a reporter live a minute ago on the news and a fair sized aftershock hit.  You could hear his voice crack, and again about a minute later when another smaller aftershock went happened.  I can only imagine how tense everyone must be, having been on edge for so much time since last September, thinking that the worst was really over, and then having this hit today.  It's a really terrible situation.

[Rafa]

What a disaster! I just see it in the tv news. I send all my very best wishes to all our friends in New Zealand in this sad and dificoult moments

[Senecio 2]

So far no members known to be drastically affected. Scary, but we will be bounce back.

[Senecio 2]

It's been a privelege to be able to provide a bed and brief respite to valient friends in our fire and police who now have no homes to return to, but now at 3.05 am. we have been hit with another aftershock. They are so exhausted virtually not a stir. All due back on duty at daylight. Sounds as though we will have Aussie friends over here to assist in the morning, long live the Anzac tradition.

[Maggi Young]

Stuart, we are all hoping to hear good news from all our SRGC/AGS  friends in the area.... and I know there are lots of them.
We will hope that this news from you holds and no-one is hurt.


We hear on TV that American rescue workers are going over too. It's at times like this we discove just how large and small our world is... all at the same time.



I'll join your posts with the existing thread offering support to the NZers.

[chasw]

Here's hoping that all forumists are safe and well,and you are all in our thoughts at this terrible time

[Liz Mills]

My thoughts are with all of you in the Christchurch area.  The news is so horrific I can't imagine what you are going through.  Don't know if there's anything we can do to help from this distance, but if there is please ask.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

What a tragedy ! 
Strength to all concerned !  Good to see so much help on the way !

[Lesley Cox]

As at 7 this morning the "official" death toll was 32 because it was only 32 who had been identified. At least 65 are known to be dead as of last night but many more are expected to be confirmed today, with current emphasis being, of course, on recovering live people from squashed buildings. Many of the dead seem to be in cars parked in the central business district, flattened to only cms depth in some cases but their bodies are not the immediate priority while some are still alive. People in a doctor's rooms on a fifth floor had the place collapse under them, and simply walked out of the building - at ground level! But there are still others in the same building and over 30 were recovered overnight, and cries and cell phone calls are still being heard from trapped people.

As always when such a disaster happens, our wonderful friends in Australia have offered urban SAR teams, already arrived, and any other help we need. Similar offers are from the USA, Japan, and Israel.

Some are speaking of the future of Christchurch as if it could be in doubt at all. It is hard to imagine a city of half a million, our second biggest, being pushed off the map altogether but maybe that will need to be considered if earthquakes are to become a regular event. The aftershocks have been many and as high as 5.9.

I didn't even feel this quake and am not affected except to wish well for my friends up there. I'm sure all NZers would join me in thanking Forumists for their thoughts and concerns at a horrible time.

[Anthony Darby]

I have been following the news and been quite moved by the individual stories, often covered very insensitively by the reporters. Last night the death toll was put at 65 but had been revised down to 39 this morning. Sadly, this number will rise. I think some questions need to be asked when a new building can collapse like a deck of cards with the 5^th floor being brought down to street level! The loss of life is terrible. I think the pictures of Christchurch cathedral gives an idea of the strength of this shallow earthquake.

[Olga Bondareva]

I mourn for all the lost. And I hope all forumists are OK. News on TV were shocking.

[Ray]

. I think some questions need to be asked when a new building can collapse like a deck of cards with the 5^th floor being brought down to street level! The loss of life is terrible. I think the pictures of Christchurch cathedral gives an idea of the strength of this shallow earthquake.
[/quote]
Hi Anthony.over here that building has been quoted as being built in the 60's,apparently before new building regulations came into effect.bye Ray

[Arum]

Just a little note from Christchurch. Thank you all so much for all your kind thoughts & good wishes - yes it has been a simply terrifying thing to experience - much loss of life - 79 to date, 300 reported missing - but also many miraculous rescues. I have spoken to Doug [Kiwi] - he & his family have all survived but have extensive damage again - no power,sewerage,water - he will be in touch with you all when communications are up & running again. Says to tell Dave he is busy landscaping again & that he has managed to get himself a little closer to the river.
Regards Edna - registered forumists, regular lurker & avid close follower of discussions.

[Paul T]

Edna,

Great to hear from you.  I thought you were in that area, but I didn't know whether you were in Christchurch itself or somewhere in the surrounding area.  So glad you're OK.  I think of you regularly when I look at some of my little Daphne seedlings that are coming along so nicely.

Good to hear that Doug is OK as well.  So does that mean he now has river views where he didn't used to?  Or is that just the effects of liquefaction on his driveway.    Seeing the pics of the car that sank halfway into the ground with liquefaction is just amazing.

All the best to everyone in the area! (again)