Tuesday 22 February 2011

More horror for Christchurch

I am totally unequipped to express my horror as I sit and listen to the tragedy unfolding in Christchurch right now.

Just before one pm  this afternoon the city was hit by a major aftershock (6.3 magnitude). This was centred at Lyttelton at a depth of 5km.

It was followed less than 15 minutes later by a 5.7 magnitude aftershock, depth of 6km, 10km south of Christchurch.

Since then there have been another shock of 5.5. It was also recorded within 5km of Lyttelton at a depth of 5km.

Imagine! I've never felt a earthquake so I don't think I can possibly imagine the horror.

Photo / Blake Harlton 
photo courtesy of from NZ Herald, Blake Harlton

Fatalities have been reported at several locations and two buses have been crushed by falling buildings.  Power is cut to 80% of the city.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch. 

12 comments:

  1. I just heard news of the earthquake while talking to a friend in Arizona and immediately thought of you and your family. Glad to hear you're alright and hope that those who are trapped will be out and safe soon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I heard by text from a friend there just after it happened. I have never been so scared for someone when I turned on the television. They had no idea of how bad things were because they had no power and therefore no TV.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've just come home from a meeting, and saw the news when I turned on the computer. I am so glad that you are alright, but am worried about the people in the city. This is too, too, awful.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a terrible things to happen, it must be hell.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Just dreadful; and we are left feeling so helpless in so many ways.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm very sorry ...
    Pray for these people with all the strength of my soul.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just picked up this news from a comment on another blog. We're 12 hrs behind you here and I hadn't yet had my radio or TV on this morning. Picked up a few snippets on the internet now and I can also see from the Geonet website that there have been several aftershocks following the first. Must be awful beyond understanding.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I saw this news on twitter last night and I immediately thought of you and your family. Glad to hear you are fine. My prayers go out to the people of Christchurch.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is such a disaster. Let us know if you hear anything. The news, hear in the states, is a bit sketchy. The Internet seems to be the best source.
    Prayers to all....

    ReplyDelete
  10. It looks like a war zone. I get goosebumps whenever I see it on tv. Just awful. No words can express how saddened I am by this. Thinking of anyone who is there, or has friends and loved ones who are there. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers. The nightmare of the people of Christchurch is just horrific. They will have a long way to go before it gets any better for them.

    I have guests at the moment but will get around to visiting you all at the weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pauline, I am sorry for posting so late....a devastating return to the real world for me. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

    ReplyDelete

I love to know who's visiting. Leave me a sign!