Learning of the 7.0 earthquake that struck the island, I want to express my sincere hope that none of our brothers were injured or had any loss of property.

I pray all is well with each of you.

Bugger

One of the most beautiful places I have ever been to.

Hope all are well.

You beat me to it. I just got a call from a Kiwi friend and I just posted this on another forum.

A 7.1 Richter scale earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand early this morning. It flattened a bunch of homes including homes of some of my acquaintances. Luckily, being an earthquake zone, the buildings in NZ are built to higher standards and there were no causualties reported at this time. Lots of damage though, and only limited internet connections.

You beat me to it. I just got a call from a Kiwi friend and I just posted this on another forum.

A 7.1 Richter scale earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand early this morning. It flattened a bunch of homes including homes of some of my acquaintances. Luckily, being an earthquake zone, the buildings in NZ are built to higher standards and there were no causualties reported at this time. Lots of damage though, and only limited internet connections.

many of the older buildings with brickwork have had damage to them, from chimneys to walls, there was one death a heart attack during the quake - and the serious injury of two men hit by window glass and chimney bricks.

estimated damage is about NZ$2 B/ US$1.4 B

Have not heard but will tune in. My best to all those affected and hope everyone is safe.

for such a major quake, thats pretty good then, sad for the family of the man who died but all things considering, sounds like NZ has some pretty good earthquake proof construction.

glad you are well, donnyboy.

thanks sbk, we are up in the Nth Island, some 700km away

some pics

more here

Damage estimate has now been assessed at over $4,000,000,000.00

$1,000 for very person in the country.

Mind boggling.