Christchurch February 22

Just before 1 pm local time, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit 10km southeast of the city. Even though this quake dissipated nearly an order of magnitude less energy than the September 4 2010 quake (magnitude 7.1), its proximity to the surface and to the city centre made its destructive power much greater.

This time, people were caught in collapsing buildings and in falling masonry. The death toll is liable to be in the 100s. Tonight the rescue services are trying to get people out of those buildings.

For a flyover of the quake damage see below. You will see that the destruction is partial, though the majority of buildings which remained standing have sustained damage, some serious.


http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/video-aerial-views-quake-devastated-christchurch-3-12-4038584