-
Social networking website Twitter - Source: ONE News -
Related
South Australian Premier Mike Rann is among a host of social networking users to express concern after news that an earthquake had rocked the Canterbury region.
Christchurch residents described the terrifying moment the 7.1 magnitude quake struck at about 4.30am, causing widespread damage and prompting the declaration of a state of emergency.
Two people have been seriously hurt. One man was hit by a falling chimney and is in a serious condition in intensive care, while a second received serious injuries when he was cut by glass.
Some buildings have been entirely destroyed, water and sewer mains have been ruptured and power cut, along with communications. Gas leaks have also been reported.
The tremor prompted the closure of Christchurch airport and rail lines as a precaution while officials checked runways and tracks for damage.
On Twitter, some users announced the earthquake to their followers while others prayed for the safety of their loved ones.
NZ-born Rann on Twitter offered his best wishes to those affected across the Tasman.
"Concerned to hear of earthquake in Christchurch, Adelaide's sister city in New Zealand. Best wishes to Kiwi friends," he wrote on Saturday morning.
Twitter user Phasy wrote: "Best wishes to all my friends in Christchurch and other areas affected with earthquake in New Zealand."
Abstar12 wrote: "Apparently this earthquake was as big as the one in Haiti, thank god for reasonably good infrastructure in New Zealand!"
Prime Minister John Key had not updated his Twitter for three days but headed to the worst affected region to help with the clean-up and to offer "solidarity".
A Facebook group called Earthquakes in New Zealand has been created, where users are discussing the tremor and its devastation.
User Alex Gibbins wrote: "Is the end of the world near? Floods in Pakistan! Hurricanes in America and earthquakes in New Zealand in space of a week."
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
Share your experiences of the earthquake on our
messageboard at the end of this article:
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?