Earthquake Rocks New Zealand

(credit: Getty Images AsiaPac)


Historic Deans homestead in Canterbury has been destroyed not far from the epicentre at Darfield in Christchurch, New Zealand.


距離震央(在紐西蘭的基督城)達菲伊德不遠處 位在坎特伯雷一棟歷史悠久的丁氏古宅毀壞的樣貌

September 3rd, 2010, a strong earthquake rattled New Zealand at 4:35 AM (September 2nd, 2010, 09:35 AM PDT) local time.

A powerful 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck much of New Zealand's South Island early morning and caused widespread damage, but there were just two reports of serious injuries. Looters broke into some damaged shops in Christchurch, police said.

The quake, which hit 18 miles (28.9 kilometers) west of the island's largest city, Christchurch, according to the state geological agency GNS Science, numerous buildings collapsing into the streets and blocking thoroughfares. Power outages are reported as well, and officials fear damage to the city's water and sewage infrastructure. No tsunami alert was issued.

Civil Defence have declared a state of emergency and there has been considerable damage across the city and surrounding areas.

GNS Science initially reported the quake as magnitude 7.4, but later downgraded it after re-examining quake records. The U.S. Geological Survey, in America, measured the quake at 7.0.