Earthquake…………….

………………. in New Zealand


I thought a ‘shaky’ photo was appropriate for my blip today.

At two minutes past midnight I was preparing to go to bed, but nature thought otherwise.

A strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake at a depth of only 15 km with the epicentre NE of Culverden in the South Island shook many parts of NZ.  It lasted 40 seconds, but seemed so much longer. I doubt very few people slept through this massive and unnerving shake. 

There have been dozens and dozens of strong after shocks and many more smaller ones.

I will pinpoint Culverden / epicentre on the blip map and from there you will see Kaikoura, the town on the East Coast of the South Island severely damaged. This town is now isolated due to a huge landslip to the south on state highway one and damaged roads to the north.

One death has been confirmed at the collapsed Elms Homestead in Kaikoura and another death, a quake related heart attack was at Mt Lyford which is on the inland route 70 between Kaikoura and Culverden.

GoeNet now think there were actually two separate earthquakes - the first was at Seddon, south of Blenheim, towards the top of the South Island, followed by the severe quake near Kaikoura.
For those interested, this GeoNet link is the official go-to site when we have a quake. 

The extensive tsunami warning has been lifted to many parts of coastal NZ, but a tsunami marine and beach threat remains in place from Napier in the North Island to north of Dunedin in the South Island also Cook Strait and Nelson/Motueka coastal areas and the Chatham Islands.

Two major state roads are closed - SH1 between Picton and Blenheim requires a detour while SH1 is closed from Blenheim and Waipara on the East Coast of the South Island and SH7 from Waipara to Springs Junction which includes Lewis Pass and Hanmer Springs

Wellington has experienced damage  - parts of the CBD requires a massive cleanup. Civil Defence has advised residents to stay away from the central business district. The train network is closed for checks and no buses are running.
The Cook Strait ferries between the North and South Islands have been cancelled.

Christchurch residents in coastal areas were evacuated, but the tsunami warning has been lifted and they have been able to return home. Buildings are being checked.

It’s another wet day here and I can only hope the people of Kaikoura are spared dreadful weather as they assess and cope with the aftermath of this earthquake. It would seem they are the worst hit area. 


I have been so touched by your concern and messages. Thank you, everyone. We are OK as are other members of our family living in Motueka, Nelson and Wellington.   I am sure there is damage to properties locally, but we are very fortunate with no damage to our home.