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Source: geonet.co.nz -
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Department of Conservation and Civil Defence officials are surveying the aftermath of a massive earthquake at the bottom of the South Island.
The 7.8 magnitude quake was felt widely throughout the South
Island and as far north as Taranaki, but no major damage has been
reported, although there were some temporary power outages in the
area.
There was also some damage done to homes and shops.
However the shake may have caused a number of landslips in remote areas.
DOC is currently making an aerial inspection of the Fiordland National Park.
Spokesman Andrew Cudby says they will be inspecting critical structures, large bridges, viewing platforms and huts to make sure they are safe for use.
DOC staff flew into the Park at first light on Thursday to check on registered trampers and one-day visitor structures before focusing on the quake's epicentre and surrounding huts and tracks, Cudby says.
He says a proper assessment of damage will take some time.
Cudby says DOC staff on Resolution Island close to the epicentre of the quake are fine and there has been no major damage.
Other staff in the field had also been contacted and were unharmed.
DOC vessel Southern Winds was in the area at the time and would be inspected for damage today
The first quake measured 7.8 on the richter scale, hitting at 9.22 last night 100km west of Tuatapere.
It was followed by dozens of small after shocks, but two of them sizeable.
Aftershocks have continued on Thursday afternoon. One at 12:24pm measured 5.3 and another at 12.44pm measured 5.6. Both were felt in Invercargill and were centred near Wednesday night's 7.8 quake at Dusky Sound. A further aftershock at 2.13pm measured 5.1 on the Richter scale.
GeoNet and GNS are still monitoring the situation and say there could be still more big after shocks.
Assistance if needed
Prime Minister John Key says he is pleased there have been no major after effects after the earthquake.
Speaking in Invercargill on Thursday morning, Key says its hard to believe an earthquake of that magnitude has not left a mark on the landscape somewhere.
He says no doubt inspections on Thursday will reveal any damage of side effects.
Key says the Government will provide any assistance it can if needed.
Key is visiting Invercargill on a scheduled trip today but said he was happy to visit quake affected areas if required.
For more information visit the GeoNet Website
If you have any video footage or photos, go to our Your Cam section or send them in to news@tvnz.co.nz
Did you feel the earthquake? Where in the county are you? Is there much damage? Share your story on the message board below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentemmskin said on 2009-07-18 @ 14:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
i live in franz Josef. I was sitting watching a movie eating my dinner when the house started swaying, it was insane, the entire house was moving slowly side to side. Im terrofied of earthquakes, but googled what actually happens and why they occur and why we a due for a big one, i now understand and im not scared at all! i do beleive now its just waiting game as that earthquake just put more stress on the rocks and it going to ping back any day now
kirstinj said on 2009-07-16 @ 18:29 NZDT: Report abusive post
I was wondering if anyone else felt a couple of quakes at about 2am on the 15th July, the night before the big one??? The first one woke me up, and not long after I felt another. I am in east otago.
brendono said on 2009-07-16 @ 17:44 NZDT: Report abusive post
Christchurch. I didn't feel it at all, but I did watch our baby's hammoch swaying around at the time of the quake considerably more than a 16 day old baby could sway it. It was bizare seeing it until I found out the probable explanantion later.
georgieee said on 2009-07-16 @ 13:56 NZDT: Report abusive post
Its such an un-natural feeling, the house shook so violently. Live in wanaka so we were quite close to it haha our dog slept through most of it, but i still dont like them one bit
Jesska said on 2009-07-16 @ 11:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Wow, that really freaked me out about the tsunami warning, i felt the earthquake but didnt think anything of it, thought i was tired and just kinda swaying myself but then my mum came in and said "look at the blinds-theyre moving...did you feel the earthquake?" then i freaked out.!