Earthquake

[happy daze john in oz]

I have just been viewing live images from Christchurch New Zealand of the earthquake there. It was a 6.4 and hit at about lunch time. You may only get to see edited highlights in many parts of the world but we have watched it live here in Oz as the tragedy unfolded. There have been multiple fatalities and the number of injured will run into the hundreds. All power to the city has gone, many old buildings completed flattened as well as many newer ones. The spire on the main Cathedral has now gone. Hospital evacuated and the airport closed. All ambulances in use so private vehicles being used to ferry persons to emergency stations. We watches as one lady was rescued by fire brigade ladders from the top of a collapsed hotel. Injured persons carried out on a board by volunteers, with ruptured water pipes beginning to flood many of the buildings. Chrused cars at the side of the road, one a camper van with a backpacker in it, a giant rock fell on to the R.S.A. building flatteneing it. It is estimated there are still up to two hundred persons trapped in one building and many more in others. Screams of the trapped can be heard coming from these buildings and the look of abject horror and shock on the faces of some will live with us for many years. This follows the September quake at 7.9 magnitude that greatly weakened the town, followed by the 4.9 on Boxing Day. I was there for that one so have a little understanding of what those poor souls must be experiencing. The 3,000 plus aftershocks since the September quake have no doubt weakened many structures which now are suffering from that. This one was at a depth of only about five kilometers and about ten kilometers south west of Christchurch. The quake was felt as far away as Dunedin and the aftershocks continue to occur. It was so severe that here in an outer suburb of Melbourne a small shock was felt and believed to be from this quake, and news coming in of a quake in the Noumea region, on the same fault line. Have seen some bad events in my life but to watch this occurring live is something very different and frightening.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch and all New Zealand. I know a few of our members live there, in Dunedin, Napier, Lytlleton just outside of Christchurch and many other parts, I hope all are safe and well. Senior seismologist's now believe there will be a major aftershock on the region of 5.5 magnitude.

[Doc Vernon]

After the News direct from John,i too am now watching the TV Live from Christchrch NZ and it really is very sad to see all this destruction there!
I know that like John and myself there will be many out there who will send their best wishes to all in NZ concerning this Quake!
This is yet another sad thing to hit not only NZ,but also Australia!
As most would have heard all that has been happening around this part of the World!
So let us all pray that these devastating occurances may stop now,and not only in NZ and Australia,but the World over!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all there in Kiwiland!
Stay strong!
Cheers

[Russ Kennedy]

May I join Vernon in passing my best wishes to all in NewZealand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We really don't know how lucky we are in Blighty!
Russ Kennedy

[Glenn Baker]

My Concern this day is for a Joseph Lamb , who sailed with me on the Port Pirie so many years ago, He resides in Christchurch, I cant make any contact as expected as all Communications are down at present , i believe there are quite a few of our fella,s living in Christchurch. My very best Glenn Australia

[Ivan Cloherty]

May I join Vernon in passing my best wishes to all in NewZealand. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We really don't know how lucky we are in Blighty!
Russ Kennedy

I think it goes without saying that all on this site are thinking of you all in NZ and also OZ, you seem to be getting more than your fair share of natures unpredictable wrath at this time. We can only watch in horror at what is happening and you have our heartfelt sympathies and prayers. Sympathy and prayer are the most that many of us will be able to offer at this time, but you can be assured that they are heartfelt, genuine and sincere.

We are thinking of you all

Ivan

[Mike Hall]

i am thinking of you all and hope everyone i know are safe.
just watched the news video,very shocking.
peace!!

[Colin Hawken]

I have no friends that I know of in NZ.I can only send my condolences to the bereaved and my prayers for all of you. We are so far away in distance but in our thoughts we are very close.Wish we were able to help in some way.

[Michael Lawrence]

Hope that the folks in Kiwi are coping, but knowing Kiwis am sure they are. We in the 'old country' often moan about the weather, in fact it's mostly our main topic, but we don't get the disasters you folks down in Kiwi and Oz get. My thoughts are with you and if you see this Geoff (TaffyX ) let us know you and Trish are O.K along with big brother.

[Jim Brady]

Hi Tony,I had a PM from Lou just after the quake,he said they felt a few shudders in Dunedin but he's fine.
Best of luck to all the unfortunate people of Christchurch.
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Bob Hollis]

My Concern this day is for a Joseph Lamb , who sailed with me on the Port Pirie so many years ago, He resides in Christchurch, I cant make any contact as expected as all Communications are down at present , i believe there are quite a few of our fella,s living in Christchurch. My very best Glenn Australia

Glen, I have just sent an Email to Joe but he has not been in touch for some months. Last I heard from him was his intent to return to Ireland for a few months, he was also thinkin of coming to see me in France before return to NZ. Thoughts to all in this disastrous city.