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Source: ONE News -
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ONE News reporter Vicki Wilkinson Baker is in Christchurch where a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck just after 4.30 on Saturday morning.
Baker described the quake itself as a "terrible shake" which "seemed like forever".
The quake also knocked out the power, and the lack of lighting and street lighting was noticeable.
She said that as the day breaks people are just beginning to get out to access the damage to their properties.
Baker said that in New Brighton she had encountered several people who had left their homes due to fears of a tsunami, and they were now returning.
While the tsunami was no longer a concern, Baker said there was a lot of surface flooding due to burst water mains.
Much of the damage she had seen was in the form of minor damage to houses such as fallen chimneys.
In the central city there was more substantial damage, particularly affecting the older brick buildings of the area.
There already have been reports of looting in the city especially liquor stores, as security systems are down and windows have been broken.
Did you experience the Canterbury quake? Do you have images or video or CCTV footage of the earthquake? Send them into news@tvnz.co.nz
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentgordy said on 2010-09-09 @ 13:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im my 51 years on this earth I have never felt so pertrified..my first thoughts was we had been hit by a nuclear bomb and it was Armageddon. Never ever want to experience it again
schicken said on 2010-09-08 @ 19:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
I thought the same thing initially. However, another quake big enough to close or shift the cracks further is likely to be heard first and all the kids will most likely be fine. If a child does get swallowed up, I'm probably not going to have huge empathy for the media coverage or their parents, but until then, let the region have a little bit of fun. Education about health risks regarding contaminated water may be a good idea for all. :)
thinkaboutit said on 2010-09-06 @ 23:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
More great coverage tonight TVNZ especially highlighting the situation at individual community levels where people reported they felt abandoned. All credit to those organising themselves into community working groups at this level despite this. Arguably the recovery process would be greatly enhanced if these community groups were psychologically and practically supported by establishing official coordination centres at individual community levels.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
You're making some good points here. Perhaps some of the donations could be towards purchasing and setting up storage of these sorts of things. Individuals are also responsible for making their own preparations. I clean and keep old 3L juice bottles filled with water. Every now and then I water my house plants with one and refill it to refresh it.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why are they buying water? Aren't there several tankers about the city giving it away?