Avian Flu Diary: NZ: 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Christchurch

Monday, February 21, 2011

NZ: 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Christchurch

UPDATED 3rd Time 2120Hrs EST

USGS Latest Earthquakes in the World - Past 7 days

Main earthquake & two strong aftershocks (plus many smaller ones not listed)

# 5330

Details are sketchy at this hour, but another large earthquake has struck New Zealand at 12.51pm local time, reportedly centered 10 kilometers south of the city at a depth of five kilometers.

This is the largest temblor since the 7.1 quake last September. Many structures in the region were badly damaged during the 2010 event, and serious additional damage is likely from this latest quake.

This first report via Radio New Zealand.

A huge 6.3 earthquake has hit Christchurch, causing widespread destruction in the city centre.

Mayor Bob Parker says it felt like a whole new earthquake, not just an aftershock of the 4 September 7.1 quake. "It was very, very strong," he says.

Mr Parker advises people not to drive, given the state of the roads.

Radio New Zealand's reporter says staff at the Christchurch newsroom had to cling to their desks during the shaking. Large filing cabinets toppled.

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