Massive Earthquake Hits Christchurch
A major earthquake hit Christchurch today, on the February 22, 2011 with the strongest wave hitting around 12.51 pm. At least 65 people have been reported to have died and more than 100 are still trapped under debris.
Christchurch has been hit by a 6.3 scale massive earthquake today that has caused major disruption throughout the urban area and claimed the lives of at least 65 people, according to reports so far. The earthquake struck at 12.51 pm and lasted for about 30 or 40 seconds.
Currently, there is widespread chaos in the city, with many buildings in ruins, and rescue operations on their way. In what has been termed as the 'Darkest Day' for New Zealand in recent times, by Prime Minister John Key, many people are still trapped in high rise buildings that have collapsed throughout the city. This Christchurch earthquake was less powerful than the one compared to the September 4, 2010 quake but it has still caused widespread damage.
Amidst sever power cuts and property damage, the city has fallen short of ambulances as rescue operations are on to help people trapped under the debris of fallen buildings. The epicenter of the earthquake has been estimated to be 10 kms to the southeast of Christchurch city, in the middle of Lyttelton harbor. There were several aftershocks that followed and low tremors which preceded the massive quake that hit in the afternoon.
This is second massive earthquake to rock the city in the past six months and it's too early to estimate the amount of damage that it may have caused. The Pyne Gould Guinness building and several other major monuments have been severely damaged as TV footage showed panic stricken people moving around town, with bodies being pulled out of rubble and injured people moving out of several buildings.
The city has become a war zone and the New Zealand government, as well as the city council is doing its level best to help the survivors and coordinate the rescue efforts. As of now there are reports of at least 100 people trapped in debris, as a result of this Christchurch earthquake. For information about missing people, local police officials have provided a hotline - 0800 779997, where information will be provided 24 x 7.
Currently, there is widespread chaos in the city, with many buildings in ruins, and rescue operations on their way. In what has been termed as the 'Darkest Day' for New Zealand in recent times, by Prime Minister John Key, many people are still trapped in high rise buildings that have collapsed throughout the city. This Christchurch earthquake was less powerful than the one compared to the September 4, 2010 quake but it has still caused widespread damage.
Amidst sever power cuts and property damage, the city has fallen short of ambulances as rescue operations are on to help people trapped under the debris of fallen buildings. The epicenter of the earthquake has been estimated to be 10 kms to the southeast of Christchurch city, in the middle of Lyttelton harbor. There were several aftershocks that followed and low tremors which preceded the massive quake that hit in the afternoon.
This is second massive earthquake to rock the city in the past six months and it's too early to estimate the amount of damage that it may have caused. The Pyne Gould Guinness building and several other major monuments have been severely damaged as TV footage showed panic stricken people moving around town, with bodies being pulled out of rubble and injured people moving out of several buildings.
The city has become a war zone and the New Zealand government, as well as the city council is doing its level best to help the survivors and coordinate the rescue efforts. As of now there are reports of at least 100 people trapped in debris, as a result of this Christchurch earthquake. For information about missing people, local police officials have provided a hotline - 0800 779997, where information will be provided 24 x 7.
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