Big Quake hits Christchurch NZ again

[ianwoodmore]

At 12:51 today 22 Feb 11 a severe 6.3 quake has hit Christchurch in middle of lunch hour. Epicentre much closer and shallower than the Darfield quake in Sep 10.

Liquefaction bubbling up through roads.

Extensive damage with Christchurch Cathedral badly damaged. Reports that front of cathedral collapsed into the Square.

Roads cracked, buildings collapsed, cars crushed. Huge dust clouds.

Possible deaths and badly injured people. People buried in rubble. Two buses crushed.

Power is off in some areas. Phones patchy. Comms via HF and satellite.

First pix coming in.

for more info go to onenews.co.nz.

 

[n8phu]

Here's hoping things aren't too bad.....

 

[barn700]

Wish you all well if you can read this I guess you aint too bad

 

[legolistic]

lets pray that they're alright. =D

 

[Bill69]

This time it has happened in the middle of the business day when people are working or shopping. There are reports of injuries and some deaths are expected.

Bill69.

 

[Euphod]

There seems to be some difference between what was posted and what is on the news. I read about a 3.6, but Ian has reported a 6.3. Well, he ought to know. This is indeed terrible news, and I will send prayers their way.

 

[ianwoodmore]

Confirmed at 6.3 intensity. Further after shocks occuring.

Multiple deaths now being reported.

 

[HiBaller]

CNN reports it as 6.3 also.

Bill

 

[Bill69]

Four shakes today so far 3.1, 6.3, 4.5 and 4.4 The problem is that they are very shallow too, the 6.3 only 5Km deep.

 

[nzms]

This is horrible, Christchurch was just getting back on it's feet.
The first one was lucky as it hit during the night and centred out of the city, but this has hit during lunch hour and in the outer suburbs. The National Crisis centre in Wellington has been activiated, which gives a scale of what has happened.

Fender, Midland, gparker and many other kiwi trainzers are living in the danger zone and b9k9kiwi, who lives on the West Coast, would have felt it too. I hope you and all others in Christchurch are okay.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Latest updates can be found here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10707997
along with some photos of the devastation: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/4688231/Massive-damage-injuries-in-Christchurch-quake

 

[Euphod]

Pardon my Dyslexia, I hope all are safe and sound, or at least (at most?) in the presence of the All Mighty...

 

[clam1952]

Just looking at the pictures on TV, looks like quite a bit of damage, hope you are all OK over there.

 

[aardvark1]

Prayers for all in NZ.

Pictures showing devastation are dramatic.

Regards,

 

[RRSignal]

Crap, this is horrible. My thoughts and prayers are with everybody affected.

 

[ianwoodmore]

Central city fire being fought by helicopters with monsoon buckets as difficult to get to area on ground.

 

[BobCass]

ianwoodmore: I hope to hear the good side of it, but thats wishful thinking..I hope every one pulls through..There is a lot of good trainzers there..Gods speed to you all..

 

[Red_Rattler]

http://www.kiwirail.co.nz/index.php...icleid=60&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=58

- TranzAlpine has stopped at Greymouth
- TranzCoastal stopped at Picton,
both returns cancelled

- Coal train derailed at Heathcote, but still upright;

Still unknown whether services tomorrow will commence.

I doubt that any rail (or any traffic for that matter) traffic will resume tomorrow, it will most likely be a few days at least.

 

[Retro00064]

My best wishes and prayers to all of those affected by the earthquake.

Regards.

 

[ianwoodmore]

65 confirmed dead so far.

Building still on fire with people trapped inside.

 

[usaoz89]

this is so sad, hope they can recover fast from this earthquake