A massive 7.1 earthquake rocked New Zealand's South Island, causing widespread damage to buildings and roads, knocking out power, and ripping facades off buildings in Christchurch, the country's second-largest city. Despite the quake's severity, only several serious injuries are reported. Hospitals are mostly "treating a number of people with broken bones, and others with minor injuries such as cuts and bruises," reports Radio New Zealand.
The quake was initially reported at 7.4 magnitude but later downgraded. "It was centred 30km west of [Christchurch] and 33km underground," reports Stuff.co.nz "It hit at 4.35am and has been followed by a series of strong aftershocks. It was felt widely across the South Island and as far north as Wellington. "
Christchurch has a population of about 386,000, but no casualties have yet been reported. The quake has disrupted mobile telephone service across the South Island. Rail service has been suspended pending inspections. Christchurch Airport has also been closed as a precaution.
As of yet, no tsunami alerts have been issued.
More photos and via CNN Chile, watch news reports AFTER THE JUMP ...
Good to hear that no casualties have been reported thus far.
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 03 September 2010 at 17:17
wow. some amazing photos. is this area susceptible to earthquakes?
Posted by: ff | 03 September 2010 at 19:08
ff
I have heard of that area having quakes before. That are by Australia and the Pacific gets rocked by both quakes and valcanos.
Posted by: Trey | 03 September 2010 at 19:47
New Zealand is on the edge of the Australian Plate and the Pacific Plate and has had several large quakes (6.0 and greater) in the past. Anyone living along the edge of the Pacific Plate (Japan, New Zealand, Chile, Mexico, and in California like myself) are vulnerable to seismic events like this. My brother lives near Osaka, Japan and has gone through several quakes so far. Here in California, they are bracing for a big quake to hit like this one.
Posted by: Rod Neville | 04 September 2010 at 00:34
Amazing photos i like your post GOD BLESS ALL PEOPLES Horrible scenes the video you attached is also scary
Posted by: Affordable Logo Design | 05 September 2010 at 08:40