New Zealand hit by 7.0 earthquake, no fatality reported

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BhartiS

04 September, 2010

Though the quake was of strong magnitude but report of no casualties is a big relief for the authorities. There are some 100 people who have received minor cuts and bruises, who are being treated at nearby hospitals.

A STATE of emergency has been declared by the Christchurch City Council after a pre-dawn earthquake measuring 7.0 “significantly” damaged the area near Christchurch, New Zealand. No deaths were reported but civic problems of power cuts, damaged sewage services and water were reported in the affected parts of the city.

People had to run for lives as windows collapsed, water pipes exploded and buildings crumbled one after the other.

The emergency order allow the officials to speed up evacuation and take all the precautionary measures to keep the citizens safe. The officials at the nearby district, Selwyn, where the quake struck have also declared local emergency.

Though, the quake was of strong magnitude but report of no casualties was a big relief for the authorities. There are some 100 people who have received minor cuts and bruises and are being treated at nearby hospitals. According to media reports from New Zealand two people suffered serious injuries and were being treated.

Pictures appearing over various news sites show collapsed building and debris or rocks and bricks spread I the open.
Christchurch Civil Defense Group released a statement stating that power was out in the north-west part of the city and water and sewage services were hit in several areas. Roads are also reported to be damaged at certain places.

Earlier, US Geological Survey assessed the earthquake to be of 7.4 magnitude but later it was confirmed to be 7.0. The earthquake occurred about 35 miles from the main city of Christchurch. The city inhibits a population of 386,000 people and is located at the east coast of South Island.

The survey reported a jolt of 5.7 magnitude near the epicenter about 20 minutes later which was an aftershock of the earthquake.

Prime Minister of the nation, John Key, is said to be headed to the affected area to took stock of the situation as told by Civil Defense Minister John Carter. Prime Minister assured the affected lot that he was with them and they are “not going to let Christchurch suffer this great tragedy on its own," while talking to reporters.