Another CHC quake

[Grooba]

Just got a message from a mate in CHC saying that a massive earthquake has just brought down the cathedral and buildings around the main square have collapsed.

Hope any CHC AFF'ers are ok.

Huge quake hits Christchurch

 

[Andyzx]

Confirm that the airport has been evacuated. Likely to be closed for a while (rest of today) given the liquidification of soil of some surrounding suburbs
Not sure about the rest.

Quake was 6.3 (vs 7.1 in Sept) but very close to central Chch. Located SE in the port Lyttleton. Another one recorded at 4.4 slightly further SE:shock:

 

[Nigelinoz]

6.3 quake aftershock hits Christchurch | News.com.au

http://www.ausbt.com.au/christchurch-airport-evacuated-in-latest-new-zealand-earthquake

 

[TonyHancock]

It looks absolutely terrible. Like the QLD floods and cyclones it is a stark reminder than some of our day to day problems don't even compare to natural catastrophes like this.

 

[Nigelinoz]

If media reports and tweets are any indication this is sadly looking to be worse than the September quake,reports are coming in of multiple fatalities and 2 buses being crushed by falling buildings.
Thoughts and prayers are with anyone affected,let's hope no AFF'ers are injured or badly affected.
Best Wishes
N'oz
Edited to add: This is a good facebook page with updated information
http://www.facebook.com/AshburtonOnline
Just watching some footage on the Radio 3AW site,this is just awful,I feel so sorry for anyone affected.
http://www.3aw.com.au/

 

[[email protected]]

One news report has said that the CHC ATC tower has collapsed but I cant find any other reports to collaborate. The below is snipped from Stuff website (sorry can post links :-()

"Flights in New Zealand are not taking off in the wake of today's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch.
Auckland Airport spokesman Richard Llewellyn said the airways system around the country was closed shortly after the earthquake.
"For the moment planes are landing but no planes are departing,'' he told NZPA.
"The national air traffic control centre is in Christchurch, and they are checking to make sure it is all okay, and until then the airways system has been closed."
Air New Zealand says flights in and out of Christchurch have been cancelled until at least 7pm."

 

[Grooba]

Wow yes this is reported much worse than the Sept 2010 quake, the loss of life today will be high.

 

[[email protected]]

Another update (still cant post links)

"Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer said, contrary to some reports, New Zealand's national airspace had not been shut down. Flights in and out of Christchurch Airport have been shut down till at least 7pm, Air New Zealand says."

 

[drron]

Reporting now that deaths are confirmed.truly awful.
Multiple deaths confirmed after quake hits Christchurch in New Zealand | Herald Sun

with this link you can get the Sky News coverage.

 

[AaronBradford]

One news report has said that the CHC ATC tower has collapsed but I cant find any other reports to collaborate. The below is snipped from Stuff website (sorry can post links :-()

"Flights in New Zealand are not taking off in the wake of today's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch.
Auckland Airport spokesman Richard Llewellyn said the airways system around the country was closed shortly after the earthquake.
"For the moment planes are landing but no planes are departing,'' he told NZPA.
"The national air traffic control centre is in Christchurch, and they are checking to make sure it is all okay, and until then the airways system has been closed."
Air New Zealand says flights in and out of Christchurch have been cancelled until at least 7pm."

Fortunately that's not true: "Air traffic controllers still up there", says earthquake-hit Christchurch airport - Flights | hotels | frequent flyer | business class - Australian Business Traveller

Also, NZ airspace is open at the moment contrary to other reports.

 

[ozmille]

colleagues of mine are walking to the airport in CHC now as they can't get any form of transportation :shock:

 

[drron]

Already 65 confirmed dead.A real tragedy.
At least 65 deaths confirmed after quake hits Christchurch | Herald Sun

 

[kamchatsky]

So sad to see what happened in Christchurch.

My in-laws and I are planning to go to NZ next month, and was planning to stay at CHC for 1 day/1 night. Maybe I should just skip it altogether, given that there are so many aftershocks since September last year?

 

[Nigelinoz]

So sad to see what happened in Christchurch.

My in-laws and I are planning to go to NZ next month, and was planning to stay at CHC for 1 day/1 night. Maybe I should just skip it altogether, given that there are so many aftershocks since September last year?

I would skip Christchurch if I were you,even if only because it's going to take ages to rebuild,but NZ as a country needs out tourist dollars,and our compassion more than ever now.
Cheers
N'oz

 

[Ricardo]

I was born and bred in Christchurch. Growing up I cant recall having a quake at all, it was always in the north island. I have family and friends in the city most of whom are accounted for thank god. My wife and son were due to go over to chch next week to see friends and family but I think they will stay at home. My sisters house in Burwood was badly damaged and the new kitchen they put in last month was ruined. The cathedral and square was very badly hit, and the cashel mall. We were only just there at christmas and the place was starting to get back to normal.

The scenes have been horrifc and our prayers and thoughts are with all the good people of the canterbury area at this time.

Cantabs are like Queenslanders, they get knocked down but get up again, they will recover and come out bigger and better.

 

[tuapekastar]

It is terribly sad. Have visited CHC on a number of occasions for Flyer Talk DOs and Veterans Table Tennis Tournaments and know quite a few residents - hoping they are all ok, and my sympathies to the bereaved.

Nature can be extremely harsh, and we are so lucky/unlucky depending where we are at any given time.

 

[JohnK]

Very sad news indeed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.

Is it just my imagination or has the rate of natural disasters been increasing recently?

 

[Nigelinoz]

Very sad news indeed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected.

Is it just my imagination or has the rate of natural disasters been increasing recently?

Certainly seems that way doesn't it,Floods in Qld and Vic,Cyclones,Bushfires and earthquakes,mother nature is a force to be reckoned with sometimes..
Cheers
N'oz

 

[Sprucegoose]

Not flash. During daytime means a higher loss of life than nighttime. Most loss in CBD.


Can we billet the people left homeless?

 

[oz_mark]

A note from Holiday Inn:

Early reports indicate our 3 hotels in Christchurch have suffered damage in this afternoon’s earthquake. All guests and staff at Holiday Inn City Centre, Holiday Inn on Avon and Crowne Plaza Christchurch have been evacuated. All 3 hotels are now closed until such time as a full damage assessment can be undertaken.We are actively seeking further information on the situation, and will provide updates as we learn more.