New Zealand Earthquake
While I was watching tropical storms in the Atlantic the Kiwis around Christchurch on the South Island had an earthquake to start their Saturday morning [09/04 4:35AM in New Zealand, 09/03 11:35AM CDT]. The 7.0 tremor lasted about 40 seconds, which is an eternity, with an epicenter only 30 miles from the city. The technical details and a location map from the US Geological Survey.
TVNZ’s current article: State of emergency declared, airport reopens
Civil Defence has declared a state of emergency in Christchurch following a massive earthquake in the city early this morning.
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck about 41km west of Christchurch at 4.35am today, at a depth of 10km, causing injuries, structural damage and gas leaks, cutting power, and rupturing water and sewerage mains.
Roads are blocked by debris, some in the central city caused by building frontages of older buildings collapsing.
Cars have been crushed under the rubble, and wardens are warning people to stay away from older buildings as they fear further collapses.
Christchurch Hospital spokeswoman Michele Hider said a number of people had received minor injuries but two – both men in their 50s – were more seriously injured.
One was hit by a falling chimney and was in a serious condition in intensive care, while a second received serious injuries after being cut by glass.
Roads and bridges are reported damaged, but Christchurch is on the coast, so heavy equipment could come by sea. So far there are no reported deaths.
