I'm in Wellington, NZ. I was up and on the computer at that time. In Trainz of course. But I didn't experience any movement. Shake was felt over most of South Island.
Initial shock was reported 7.4 now downgraded to 7.1. Reported as one of biggest of century. about 30km west of Christchurch and fairly shallow (10km). Many after shocks still occuring.
There's been extensive damage to buildings in Christchurch, mainly brick, with many cars crushed in the streets. Bricks and rubble all over the roads.
Water mains and sewerage are broken causing floods, many homes without water. Emergency water distribution being setup using milk tankers.
Bridges damaged and cracked roads. Chimneys in houses collapsing.
Power is out over a wide area, but no known damage to system. Outage is precautionary. Power expected to be restored to 90% by dark tonight. At 09:45 power is being restored in some areas. Many cell phone towers have <1 hour backup power left.
Civil Defence crews are out assessing the damage.
Main Christchurch hospital is fully operational.
So far some reported injuries, mostly minor but one guy got hit by falling chimney. No deaths reported.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/ and
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news for ongoing reports.
Central Business District has now been closed due to risk from falling masonry.
Airport expected to open this afternoon.
Weather could be cold tonight -2deg Celsius forecast.
Ah, my friend, how difficult is getting over from Trainzy doping! :hehe: