According to many reports tonight, an earthquake measuring 6.3 has struck near Christchurch New Zealand. There have been numerous aftershocks, some over magnitude 5. Some fatalities are reported and hospitals are being evacuated to prepare sufficient beds for the critically injured. There has been massive property damage, including significant damage to the Anglican Cathedral.
From the New York Times report:
“Video from the scene by 3 News New Zealand showed people running through the streets to safety, and showed extensive damage to the city’s iconic cathedral. One witness called it ‘the most frightening thing of my entire life.’
The quake hit the country’s south island just before 1 p.m. local time. The tremblor was just the latest in a series of large earthquakes to strike in recent months. In September, a magnitude 7.1 quake rocked the same area, but caused no casualties.
Though the magnitude of this quake was less than what hit the city in the fall, its depth and location could make it more damaging.”
Read the full report here.
Here are before and after pictures of the Cathedral.
The video referred to in the story above has been posted to YouTube. There are some very frightening scenes.
Let us pray for all those in danger tonight, those rushing to the rescue and for those who are seeking news about loved ones.