massive aftershock earthquake in christchurch NZ..6.3

**carole** · 02-21-2011, 07:05 PM

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** · 02-21-2011, 07:05 PM

We will keep them and you in our prayers.

**cassiesmom** · 02-21-2011, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Karen

We will keep them and you in our prayers.

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

**carole** · 02-21-2011, 09:04 PM

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** · 02-21-2011, 09:39 PM

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** · 02-21-2011, 09:58 PM

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.

**davidpizzica** · 02-22-2011, 08:12 AM

Karen, I'm so relieved to hear that you and your family weren't directly involved with that awful earthquake, but I'm sending Pittsburgh thoughts and prayers to your sister and her husband that their possessions are alright in the hotel.

**Freedom** · 02-22-2011, 08:46 AM

Saw a bit on the TV news this morning, how terrible!

Perhaps you sister and hubs should just focus on staying out of the midst, and getting home, leave the clothes?

Praying for all in the midst, and for family and friends who have people in that area.

**pomtzu** · 02-22-2011, 08:56 AM

Carole - I am so relieved to read that you and your family are safe. I was quite concerned about you, not knowing where you live in relation to the quake area. Thankfully, you are far from there!!! I pray for all of those still in harm's way, and for all that lost their lives and/or family and friends. I was watching the videos of the area on t.v. this a.m. - so much destruction and so many old structures lost or damaged - so many lives lost. It's heartbreaking!

**RICHARD** · 02-22-2011, 11:54 AM

Sending prayers out your way.

As a 'veteran' of a few EQs here in the land of the easily amused, I do know what you and your fellow Kiwis are feeling/thinking.

You'll see the resilience of the people in the area and of your nation in a way you have never seen before, Sad as it is to say? Sometimes it does take a tragedy to bring people together.

Hang tough, NZ. You are in our thoughts.

**Pinot's Mom** · 02-22-2011, 12:08 PM

Carole, add my thoughts to the others that you were one of the first through my head when I heard of the tragedy. I'm so glad your family is safe. Other than that, I don't know what to say, just so devastating.