Earthquake
 

Wondering how things have gone for our members in NZ. Would be good to here from you all. Hope all are well and unscathed:o

The shallow 7.1 earthquake effected Christchurch city, surrounding towns and areas.
Considerable damage has been caused to property, particularly to brick buildings.
It was felt widely throughout NZ.
No deaths have been reported but a number of people have been injured.

Good coverage is available on http://www.stuff.co.nz/

All my wishes for everyone's safety and health

Yep likewise - Best wishes to you all over there.

Damage looks horrific and a miracle that casualties weren't higher.

best wishes to all those over there. not nice on oh so many levels

Any news from Roger (Roger1) located in Christchurch?

>>>> Kiwi >> I have relatives in Lower Hutt.... Whats it been like there ? :(

Hi Kiwi
Best wishes for your families well being. Peter Avinou. (Barnowlnoddy)

Christchurch city is about 200 miles south of Wellington and Lower Hutt (where I live) and on the South Island. There have been no reports of any damage this far north or outside the Canterbury areas.

Although many felt the shaking here, I personally didn't and continued to sleep soundly throughout. :o

I believe that communications in the area and further south have been partially disrupted and suspect that club members in the area will perhaps have other things on their minds rather than being on-line. :(

Like other club members, I send my best wishes for everyone's safety and good health.

For those interested good coverage is available on http://www.stuff.co.nz/

So sorry to hear of your fellow countrymen's situation. Opened this mornings paper to read that the damage bill could topple $1.5 billion.
Have hoped to visit your South Island later this coming season to walk your majestic alpine region - the Routeburn, Milford and possibly the Copeland tracks.
Do hope all members are all well and at worst, only suffered minimal property damage. We enjoyed the pleasure of a couple of Kiwis last Easter at out Australia wide National Rove in South Australia.

Here across the ditch in country Victoria we had our own woes, but not as woeful as yours - torrential rains during the past 24 hours (reports of 184 mm) that caused flash floods. Unusual to see inflatable rescue boats motoring down main streets to rescue folk - water levels above car doors. A mud slide at Mt. Bulla swept away 20 cars (4WD).

Nature can be so unpredictable. Take care and best wishes to all members.
egremont.

p.s. The president of our local club is an ex- Kiwi (still has contacts with N.Z. clubs) and expect to hear more about your catastrophic circumstances this Friday at our meeting.