massive aftershock earthquake in christchurch NZ..6.3

[carole]

Most of you will know we had a big 7.1 in september 2010, today they have had a 6.3, but the damage is massive and there are injuries, maybe even deaths, have seen them pulling people out of the rubble, it is so awful,worse than the big one in september, i have been crying just watching it all.

I am so worried my sister and husband are there on holiday, luckily they decided to go to hamner springs which is one and half hours a way today, she was originally going shopping in the CBD, someone is looking after them from above i think, don't know what they are going to do to get out and home though, as airports are evacuated and hospitals, this is devastating for the people of Christchurch, please hold them in your prayers and thoughts, thank you.

[Karen]

We will keep them and you in our prayers.

[cassiesmom]

We will keep them and you in our prayers.

Same here. It is Monday evening in Chicago, Tuesday afternoon in New Zealand.

[carole]

even though it was smaller by the scale, the damage is extensive and because of the time of day it hit, there are reports now of multiple deaths,this is so tragic, and so awful, those poor people have already been through so much, there have been over five more aftershocks ranging from 4.0 to 5.5,thanks and yes please do keep them all in your prayers.

My sister is fine and they are staying overnight in hamner springs, i have no idea as neither do they what to do next, the airport is closed at the moment, i just want to get them home and safe away from there,they have only the clothes they stand up in, as all their luggage is in a motel in christchurch,hope it is still standing, fingers crossed.

[kitten645]

LES...think and praying for all of you. I fear mass casualties. The photo's of the rubble are horrific! I understand the church steeple collapsed with tourists in it. OMG so tragic.

[carole]

OMG really, i did not know that, how terrible, i am a long way from christchurch, but like i said my sister is there ,and it is a worry, i feel for all those people down there,it is just awful,i cannot believe the damage, it is so bad, and lives have been lost and many injured too.

you know this could be a pure coincidence but Ellie my cat was acting really strange today, i thought it was because my friend was here, and she does not take to strangers that much, or because she was unwell today, but now i am not sure, she is one intuitive cat at the best of times, i don't think she could sense it that far away, but one never knows.

[Catty1]

Hugs and prayers to everyone there...those aftershocks hardly gave rescuers a chance...praying for some miracles.

[kitten645]

I'm so glad your family is safe Carole. My prayers for everyone. The devestation looks horrible. It must be a quite old city as so many buildings are in rubble. There are boldours the size of houses coming down onto houses. Completely surreal images.

[momcat]

Since hearing this devastating news, I'm VERY relieved to know you're okay. You have been very much on my mind and in my prayers.

The pictures coming on our local news are frightening and heartbreaking. There was a report that 2 buses were crushed. What an unspeakable disaster.

That's wonderful news about your family. Hoping they can make it home quickly and safely.

Please know that you, your family, and all of the fine people of New Zealand will remain in prayer.

[K9karen]

I'm glad your safe, Carole, your sister as well.

I've been to Christchurch and have a friend there. What a lovely city. The people are magnificent and they are in my prayers. The TV just showed the steeple gone. Oh, my. So many people hurt and killed, lots still trapped according to the news. They'll be in my prayers, poor everyone. I just can't imagine.

[carole]

yes it is so horrible, i am in tears writing this, i live in the north island , this is the south so i am far away, but still it hits one so hard, even if you don't know anyone, they are fellow NZer's and my heart goes out to each and everyone of them, 65 dead so far, and it is rising, i just am stunned, i cannot quite believe it.

I am so relieved my sister did not go shopping today in the CBD today as she planned, thank god they changed their plans, or they would have been in it, and god only knows what would have happened.

They are staying in hamner springs for the night,and then they have no idea what to do from then on, they will ring the motel in christchurch re their luggage, that is if it is still standing.

Yes some beautiful old buildings, all gone.

[gini]

Carole, I thought about you and your family right away - and I am so glad to hear that YOU are alright and of course, also your sister and her husband.

I am so so sorry to hear about the lives lost and the buildings destroyed.
I believe that there was a landslide that has caused some problems and damage as well.

I have been to ChristChurch as well and it is just a beautiful city, so sad that this has to happen especially after the large earthquake they had last September.

I lit a candle for you and all your family. You will continue to be in my prayers.

[Karen]

We just heard on the news that the official death toll so far is 65, our prayers are going out to all of New Zealand in this difficult time.

[carole]

Thanks everyone, i am sure every NZer appreciate's your concerns and well wishes and prayers, i know i sure do, my sister is going to stay in Hamner for now,she just heard from the motel in Christchurch, he reckons about 200 people are dead,but that is not official by any means, but i hate to say it, but it probably is more near the truth,there are still many trapped,OMG i just cannot believe this, I am in shock and total disbelieve,this is really happening here in NZ.please continue to pray for those poor people.

I am blessed that i have phone contact with my sister,we have been texting each other all night, i would be beside myself with worry if i could not have contact with her.

[phesina]

I am so sorry. What a horrible shock. Prayers for everyone in New Zealand.