WELLINGTON, Nov 14 (Reuters) – A powerful earthquake and hundreds of strong aftershocks rocked New Zealand early on Monday, killing at least two people and prompting a tsunami warning that sent thousands fleeing to higher ground.
With communications cut off, emergency response teams were flying by helicopter to the region at the epicentre of the 7.8 magnitude quake, some 91 km (57 miles) northeast of Christchurch in the South Island, amid reports of injuries and collapsed buildings.
Prime Minister John Key told a dawn news conference in the capital Wellington, which was also shaken violently by the quake, that two people had been killed. Police said one of the victims was found in a house in the coastal tourist town of Kaikoura.
“It was the most significant shock I can remember in Wellington,” Key told reporters from the parliament’s underground defence bunker. “There will be quite major costs around roads and infrastructure.”
Key was meeting national emergency officials later Monday morning. Stock exchange operator NZX Ltd said financial markets would be open as usual, although many offices in the capital were closed. read more
DOS?? DOS YANQUIS???!!!
and now a 6.2 in Argentina. Trumps got everyone shaking.
Was Ruth Bader Ginsburg one of them?
Yep, it figures. John Kerry was there. It’s global warming. We’re fucked. I’m afraid to go to the city any more. Afraid that the Staten Island Ferry will end up a 59th Street, Columbus Circle. And how the fuck can I get home?
That’s a shame. I was thinking the US political refugees would consider there as it seems Canada has drawn a line.
I hope Middle Earth is OK.
Does this mean Stephanopoulos and the other celebrities moves will be delayed?
7.8 is BIG. Prayers for the good people of New Zealand.
1906 San Francisco earthquake was 7.8