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The people of Christchurch NZ were wakened at 4am this morning by an earthquake measuring 7.1 there has been severe damage to buildings. I heard someone talk on the radio saying it sounded like the washing machine and lasted for about 2 minutes. Alice

As per the news thankfully nobody has been killed. They only have a snapshot of the damage at the moment but tens of thousands are without electricity & water.

Yes OLL as you say it is good news nobody has been killed. They are trying to keep everyone from going to Christchurch, to have a look at what has happened. Its just devasting buildings half gone cars crushed and water everywhere. Alice

Hi All,
We were very fortunate that the quake took place mid morning 4m - 5am.As there was literally nobody on the streets,so far.Till they cleard all the rubble.As the front of just about most of the brick shops,which are generally two storey collapsed on the pavements.A large number of cars were wrecked completely and to date only two seriously injured.There is a curfew from 7pm to 7am.
Our youngest Daughter and Husband have a two poll learning to swim complex.They have a mechanical positioning cover for the pool when not in use.It emerges from one end of the pool has side rails in the walls of the pool then locks into place at the other end All the mechanical parts disappear and the cover is held in place to keep the water at temperature and save wastage and bugs getting in.It has been literally ripped asunder with the swaying motion of the quake it created big waves in the pool and demolished the covers and machinery.A quite big storage tank toppled over and burst and all the water treatment liquid was lost but fortunately its enviromentally OK. All the offices and gymn are a shambles.The Drink M/c's and choc and chippie M/c' are all wrecked. One is at least 40 foot from its original position.The railway lines just out of Christchurch has this double almost like bend in it which shows the forces at loose. It freezing down there tonight and a bit of a storm. My daughter are on their big OE for a few weeks.So their eldest daughter is in charge and seems to be handling it pretty well.All their freiends and other have been helping,but will be a few days before they are back in business.Unfortunately Wellingtons big one is still on the horizon.So Monday will be check up time for the neccesaties recommended for at least 4 days. Thanks all for your concern.Best regards Ken Berry

Ken, keeping my fingers crossed for the residents who have been affected and hope it isn't long until things get back in order again. JG

Hi Ken,will be thinking of all you people in Christchurch NZ take good care of yourselves.Briea