'Deaths' after quake hits Christchurch in New Zealand

[Castout]

Originally Posted by kiwi_2005

Even a small quake can be hard to run away. I experience a quake about 15yrs ago we were outside in the paddock when it struck the ground beneath our feet became waves it was like a moving ocean of grass and dirt, wasn't very big and lasted maybe 20-30seconds. It knocked us all off our feet when you tried to move you just fell over again.

Indeed.

I've felt one or two very small ones. The building seemed to be moving. Then we could still walk or even ran out.

I've felt a far stronger one but there was no vertical movement then just the ground rapidly moving to all kind of directions but vertical as if a giant was playing with the ground. People got scared even just standing and quickly knelt down with hands on the floor until it was all over.

Vertical movements or wavy movements during earthquake are probably the most dangerous force of them all. Buildings are not designed to withstand vertical ground movement .

I'm sorry for those who lost their lives in Christchurch. It was just nature . . . . . and we are still very much vulnerable to its mercy. It probably would be best if the whole town moved to safer spot. Earth core is getting more active. Volcanoes are erupting everywhere so we should expect earthquakes to happen more frequent as the plates move a little bit faster.

[Gerald]

A strong earthquake kills at least 65 people in New Zealand's second-biggest city of Christchurch, with more casualties expected as rescuers work into the night to find people trapped inside collapsed buildings.

It was the second quake to hit the city of almost 400,000 people in five months, and New Zealand's most deadly natural disaster for 80 years.

"We may well be witnessing New Zealand's darkest day...The death toll I have at the moment is 65 and that may rise," said New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who had flown to his home town of Christchurch, where he still has family.

The 6.3 magnitude quake struck at lunchtime, when streets and shops thronged with people and offices were still occupied.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/...71L04320110222

Note: Update Record,WELLINGTON | Tue Feb 22, 2011

[papa_smurf]

Saw about this on the morning news, not looking good at all.

[bookworm_020]

75 confirmed dead, over a hundred still believed trapped. Many of the building were damaged in a large earthquake back in September. When this one hit, they couldn't take the strain and went down.

The toll was also increased due to the fact this quake happened during the day in business hours. The September quake, while stronger, happened at night.

My thoughts are with those "across the ditch" and hope that the death toll will not rise any further.

[Jimbuna]

Their having absolutely no luck over there at the moment....hoping the recovery is rapid and successful.

[Feuer Frei!]

My deepest condolences to those affected.

[Gerald]

Many parts of Christchurch were left in ruins after the quake

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has declared a national state of emergency as the death toll from Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch rose to 75.

Police have said there is "incredible carnage right throughout the city", with "bodies littering the streets".

More than 300 people are still missing. Forty-eight were pulled out from collapsed buildings alive overnight.

The search has now been abandoned at one office block, but elsewhere a woman was rescued after more than 24 hours.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12547853

Note:Update Record,23 February 2011 Last updated at 06:12 GMT