http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10671049Christchurch has been left devastated after a massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck 30km west of the city at 4.35am this morning.
The quake was at a depth of 33km and was centred near Darfield, and has left large parts of the area without power, water or telephones.
Roads have been blocked by debris after the several buildings collapsed onto the streets, leaving their interiors visible and the central city resembling a war zone.
Large groups of onlookers have gathered to survey the damage and take pictures with their cameras and mobile phones.
Several large aftershocks have already struck the region, and wardens dressed in high-visibility gear are asking people to stay well clear of buildings because of the high risk of further collapses.
Traffic lights are still not working in several places around the central city, creating gridlock as the traffic flow increases.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/looters-hit-chch-after-massive-quake-3759917Looters are hitting central Christchurch after a devastating earthquake hit the city early this morning.
The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck about 30km west of Christchurch at 4.35am today, at a depth of 10km, causing minor injuries, structural damage and gas leaks, cutting power, and rupturing water and sewerage mains.
At least 20 roads had been damaged and some were impassable.
Inspector Mike Coleman said police had cordoned off central Christchurch as it was dangerous but also because looters had already been active.
"There's considerable damage there, and we've already had reports of looting," he told Radio New Zealand.
I know we have some Kiwis on board, hope ya'll and yours are OK.
MODEDIT: Temporarily stickying this to prevent unnecessary duplicates.
Im glad your ok!
