New Zealand Devastation By Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
In yet another natural disaster, New Zealand was the target for a 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch, a graceful 19th-century city of nearly 400,000 people, during the busiest time of the weekday, lunch hour.
The United States Geological Survey said it was part of an aftershock sequence from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake that rocked the same area last September but luckily caused no casualties at that time.
This recent earthquake was more forceful and deadly because its epicenter was closer to the city and it struck at a shallower depth than the previous earthquake. Not only was the city of Christchurch affected, but so was a seaside town known as Lyttelton which was close by and near the epicenter.
The tremors forced buildings to shake and collapse thus trapping people in and beneath the buildings. Emergency workers had to amputate limbs of some who were trapped in order to save their lives.
The death toll has risen to 75 but officials warn that the final count could be significantly higher.
Two large office towers, the Pyne Gould Building and The Canterbury Television Headquarters, collapsed into rubble. To many people’s amazement, the spire of the landmark Christchurch Cathedral came crashing down during an aftershock.
Buses and cars have been demolished and some people have been trapped inside.
The scene is grim with wet and chilly conditions, aftershocks and landslides pouring rocks and debris into suburban streets.
Australia has graciously agreed to assist with police officers and search and rescue teams. New Zealand will not be back to normal for quite some time but hopefully the aftershocks will cease very soon so that search and rescue and recovery efforts can continue in better conditions.
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