New Zealand earthquake aftershocks, don't flush toilets (photos, video)
CHRISTCHURCH, NZ -- After the massive 7.1 earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand yesterday, the area has suffered several aftershocks. As a result, the 400,000 locals there have been restricted by a curfew, for their own safety.
Several buildings are still unstable and are in danger of falling because of the aftershocks.
Looting has occurred and emergency shelters have been made available to those left homeless because of the New Zealand aftershocks.
For those still in their homes they have been asked not to flush their toilets to prevent possible contamination, says Britain's Guardian newspaper.
Fortunately, nobody died in either the earthquake or the aftershocks. John Key, the prime minister, went to Christchurch to look at the earthquake damage, and said it was "an absolute miracle" that no one died.
There were, however, reports of looting in the wake of the New Zealand earthquake aftershocks and some people were arrested.
Police Inspector Alf Stewart reported to New Zealand's National Radio that some folks had been arrested for looting. "We have some reports of people smashing [shop] windows and trying to grab some property that is not theirs … we've got police on the streets and we're dealing with that," he said, reports the Guardian newspaper.
Around 29 aftershocks have been felt in total after the New Zealand earthquake and those varied in magnitude from 3.7 to 5.4.
Infrastructure has been damaged and many roads are blocked while power and water have been either cut off or are disrupted.
The airport in Christchurch has been closed.
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A geologist has reported that this 7.1 earthquake in New Zealand has created a new fault line in the earth's surface.
See breaking news story here Breaking News: NZ South Island 7.4 earthquake
See the slideshow and video below.
Comments
There must be a special place in Hell for people who take advantage of a disaster to cause more misery. New Zealand is such a beautiful place to visit, not just for the scenery and lovely architecture so prevalent there, but for the hospitality for which they are so famous. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they rebuild. New Zealanders are resilient, and it will be no surprise if they recover with significant improvements.
Jay who are the people taking advantage do you think? Perhaps you mean the looters? Yes that really is sad isn't it. I wonder if what they took was worth making themselves a criminal for?
And not only that Anon, but what goes around comes around. They should be using their energy to help f olks, not taking advantage, shame on them.
My mom is there right now and said it was one of the worst experiences she has ever had. She was scared. So too was everyone else in the house. Glad they are safe.
Yup. So when's it San Francisco's turn eh?
Let's hope it is not SF's turn for a long time to come. We can never be prepared enough.
Thanks for the update on this one Sheila
gosh hope they can flush toilets before too long or it won't be very pleasant to hang around people's own homes.
gosh hope they can flush toilets before too long or it won't be very pleasant to hang around people's own homes.
don't flush toilets eh should they just what, use a tree?
Un - BE - lievable!
Good to hear that so far nobody got hurt. Long way to rebuild. Hope N.Z. is earthquake prepared. There will always be people who would take advantage of a bad situation, in this case looting! Sad. Believe that we are in the same ring of fire as N.Z. Are we ready San Francisco?
I think not flushing would lead to a contamination on its own.
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