Christmas shoppers were out and about and many had to run from buildings. The centre of the city is cordoned off so that damage can be assessed. Luckily no one suffered major injuries.
The quake was felt here by many although we were driving at the time so didn't feel it. We are about 200 kilometers away from Gisbourne.
They are still having aftershocks, there was one just half an hour ago.
An extract from this mornings New Zealand Herald:
'Gisborne was a shattered city early today, its main shopping centre a mix of chaos and ruin.
At least six buildings in the central shopping area had serious damage. Two were partially collapsed.
Police locked down the entire central area in a series of road blocks while they worked carefully through the worst-damaged buildings checking for people who may have been trapped or killed in the 6.8 quake.
There was optimism from searchers that no one had suffered more than minor injuries.
The time the quake hit, in a peak shopping hour, and its severity makes the absence of human tragedy the best that rescue workers could hope for.
Shattered glass filled the gutters and ruined awnings, and shop fronts had collapsed across footpaths.'
Herald Article:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=
1&objectid=10483683
Geonet Earthquake technical data site:
http://magma.geonet.org.nz/maps/app?service=external
/FeltReports&sp=S2839343g
3 comments:
Mrinz-- I just heard the news, and raced to check your blog immeditely! I am so glad you didn't feel the quake-- there is nothing more unsettling to feel the earth shaking under your feet, with nowhere to run... My husband and I were in a serious quake in California years ago, and it was quite distressing.
Thinking of you in NZ, and hoping that your family and friends are all safe and well.
xo CGF
Oh my word, that sounds scary. I haven't experienced anything like that. Thankfully no-one was seriously hurt!
Is it you that get Christmas first? I vaguely remember somthing about the year 2000 and New Zealand - or do you get it last??
Anyway, my little one is so excited, he keeps asking if Santa has got his reindeer ready yet! Hopefully he will wake up at a reasonable hour!
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Gail
The town is slowly getting back to normal and the clean up has begun.
I think that most shops, with the exception of a few badly damaged ones, have reopened.
Tismee - yes we are 12 hours ahead of you. Christmas is so much fun for the children!!
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