Christchurch New Zealand hit by 6.3 quake
A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand Tuesday afternoon local time, causing multiple fatalities, toppling buildings onto buses, buckling streets and damaging cathedrals.
TV New Zealand reported that the quake caused an estimated $2.5 billion in damages, including toppling the spire of the famous 147-year-old Anglican Christchurch Cathedral.
CNN reported that a large scale evacuation of the city was underway, that Christchurch Hospital was being evacuated and the airport was closed until further notice.
CNN also reported that Christchurch resident Laura Campbell was working downtown when the quake hit and she told of seeing “windows blowing out, bricks falling down, and people screaming…”
TV New Zealand also reported that the 106-year-old Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was badly damaged and a New Zealand Herald reporter said that “half the building” had collapsed.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake hit just before 1 PM Tuesday (7 PM Monday Eastern Standard time) and a 5.5 magnitude aftershock followed 15 minutes later, with several dozen lesser shocks shaking the city throughout the rest of the afternoon.
Authorities told CNN that the streets were jammed with cars of people trying to leave the city.
Christchurch city officials urged the residents to avoid drinking the water supply.
This quake comes after a 7.1-magnitude quake hit nearby on September 4, which New Zealand authorities said was the most damaging to hit the region since 1931.
Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island and is home to several renowned triathletes including Scott Molina and Erin Baker, Andrea Hewitt, Martin Van Barneveld and Gina Crawford, who plays in the Christchurch Symphony.
While the tremors could be felt in many nearby cities, the quake should not affect next month’s Ironman New Zealand, which is held in Taupo, on New Zealand’s North Island.
