For the second time in about 6 months New Zealand has been rocked by an earthquake. The quake was a magnitude 6.3. Scary when most of the people you know live there. The epicenter of the quake was the south island city of Christchurch where many buildings already weakened by the previous quake crumbled under the pressure this time around. Many people are still missing and the death toll is on the rise (75 and counting) as rescuers dug through the crumbled concrete, twisted metal and huge mounds of brick across Christchurch, officials feared that the death toll could rise further, ranking the 6.3-magnitude earthquake among the island nation's worst in 80 years.
NZ Prime Minister John Key said at a news conference that 75 people were confirmed to have been killed, with 55 of them identified. He declared a state of national emergency, giving the government wider powers to take control of a rescue and recovery operation that was growing by the hour.
With the state of emergency in effect leaders from around the world have sent NZ their condolences following the massive quake.
Pope sends a telegram
In a message from the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI is the latest to send condolences to New Zealand.
"At this time my thoughts turn especially to the people that are being severely tested by this tragedy. Let us ask God to relieve their suffering and to support all who are involved in the rescue operations. I also ask you to join me in praying for all who have lost their lives," he said.
The Vatican says a telegram was sent on Wednesday to Christchurch's bishop. It said the pontiff was saddened to learn of the sudden devastation and loss of life in Christchurch and that Pope Benedict is praying for those urgently working to free those who are trapped in rubble and for blessings of strength and courage for all New Zealanders.
Commonwealth's Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has sent a message of support to Prime Minister John Key following yesterday's destructive quake.
"We have learned with distress and profound concern of the earthquake and aftershocks that have so severely blighted Christchurch yet again," he said.
"Our hearts and condolences go immediately to the bereaved. Our encouragement and solidarity go to the emergency services and so many others who are striving to assist those in need.
"The thoughts and prayers of fellow Commonwealth citizens around the world are with the people of New Zealand, and the residents of Christchurch especially, at this time of tragedy and challenge."
Queen: Utterly shocked
Queen: Utterly shocked
Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister John Key, following the Christchurch earthquake today, which has so far claimed the lives of at least 65 people.
"I have been utterly shocked by the news of another earthquake in Christchurch. Please convey my deep sympathy to the families and friends of those who have been killed; my thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this dreadful event," she said in a statement on her website.
Obama rambled on about something or other but I won’t bore any one with his babble.
The earthquake knocked out power and telephone lines and burst pipes, flooding the streets with water.
Firefighters climbed ladders to pluck people trapped on roofs of office towers to safety. Plumes of gray smoke drifted into the air from fires burning in the rubble, and helicopters used giant buckets to drench them with water.
The quake even shook off a massive chunk of ice from the country's biggest glacier some 120 miles (190 kilometers) east of Christchurch.
Christchurch's airport reopened for domestic flights on Wednesday. Military flights were being added to move tourists to other cities.
Thousands of people in the city moved into temporary shelters at schools and community halls. Others, including tourists who had abandoned their hotels, huddled in hastily pitched tents and under plastic sheeting as drizzling rain fell, while the Red Cross tried to find them accommodation.
300 people were listed as missing but cautioned that they did not know the number trapped in collapsed buildings. More than 400 rescue workers were joining the search, including teams from Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, the United States and Britain.
Some who were trapped were able to call out using their mobile phones, reaching family, officials and media.
A more powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, a city of 350,000, on Sept. 4, but caused no deaths. The latest one was deadlier because it was closer to where people live and work, centered 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the city, and shallower, experts say.
Survey says....
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was an aftershock from September's temblor. A strong aftershock in December caused further damage to buildings. The city was still rebuilding from those quakes when Tuesday's hit.
New Zealand's worst earthquake was one that struck in 1931 at Hawke's Bay on the country's North Island, which killed at least 256 people.
It’s sad to know that miles away people I call family and others I call friends are hurting and there is not much you can do besides pray and hope for the best.
Stay strong Kiwi’s and you’ll pull through!
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