New Zealand: Christchurch Earthquake
February 22nd, 2011Update: Christchurch Earthquake Likely to be NZ’s Worst Natural Disaster
Via: New Zealand Herald:
Civil Defence Minister John Carter has confirmed today’s declaration of a National Emergency is the first time the measure has been invoked, and that reflects the likelihood yesterday’s quake may prove to be New Zealand’s worst natural disaster.
While the current Civil Defence Act only came into effect nine years ago, previous legislation allowed for a similar declaration, but that had never happened.
“We felt it was justified in this case because of the devastation that’s occuring and the likely impact it will have on so many people.”
Asked whether this meant the quake was New Zealand’s worst natural disaster, Mr Carter said: “Certainly history would tend to show that it’s likely to be”.
“Until we have an absolute understanding on what’s likely to be out there we can’t say that for sure.”
—End Update—
I’ll just respond to all the emails with a post: We’re fine. We live near the top of the North Island (far from Christchurch). Thanks for your concern.
Via: New Zealand Herald:
Police have reported “multiple fatalities” at several locations in the downtown area, including where two buses were crushed by falling buildings.
Today’s shake, measured at magnitude 6.3, followed the massive 7.1 tremor last September 4. That one struck in the early hours of the morning and no one was killed.
Today’s earthquake jolted the city at 12.51pm, the worst possible time with the central city packed with lunch-hour shoppers, office workers and many school children.
Victims were crushed to death as buildings collapsed, many of them weakened in last year’s event.
The quake was not as powerful as the September 4 shake but was much shallower, leading to greater damage.
Scientists put the epicentre at 10km southeast of the city – apparently in the middle of the harbour at Lyttelton, the city’s coastal port – at a depth of only 5km.
