Saturday, September 04, 2010

The earth moved for me..

..and unfortunately, much of the South Island of New Zealand as well, when an earthquake (magnitude 7.1 on the Richter scale) hit Canterbury at 4.35am. Fortunately, there have been no deaths, though there is considerable property damage, mainly in Christchurch city - I live about 25km north of the city where we have got off lightly.

New Zealand is a geologically frisky place and has frequent small earthquakes, which Kiwis are used to. I lived for many years in a geothermal region where there was even a place called Earthquake Flat south of the city. However, this was the largest and most severe earthquake I have experienced, and was pretty scary even though the only damage in my house was a few things falling off shelves. The dogs have been calm, but the cat has disappeared.

We are usually comforted by the feel of solid ground, and it's disconcerting and upsetting when that ground betrays you. Blogger won't let me upload any photos for some reason, so words only for today.

10 comments:

Ali Honey said...

So glad you are okay. We didn't feel it up here.

loulee said...

Good to know you are safe.

Diane N said...

Very glad you are safe. It's good there was no damage for you but my heart goes out to those who have suffered damage. So glad to hear there are no deaths reported.

I hope your cat turns up soon.

Take care.

Judy Sall Fiber Art said...

Having lived most of my life in California, I understand the fear you must have felt! I never got used to the earth moving, and I'm much happier in Arizona where we just deal with wind, rain, snow, etc... normal stuff! Be well, and I hope your kitty comes back!

Anonymous said...

Glad to know you're ok. I heard about this on the news this morning. We've had one measuring about 4.5 and that was sufficient to shake the bed and wake me (at least that's what DH tells me it was!) so I think 7+ must be terrifying. It's amazing no one was killed. Be safe.

Anonymous said...

Spoke to daughter in Kaiapoi last night (Saturday morning her time) they are all well. Her friend wasn't so lucky, thinks she has lost the house. Glad you are safe and well in Rangiora. x

Gerrie said...

I have been through my share of earthquakes having lived in CA for most of my adult life. So I know the disconcerting feeling of having the earth move over and over. Glad you are safe.

Julie said...

Glad you are all ok. I was wondering about the dogs. We have been seeing images of the damage and hearing stories on the news over here. You were fairly close to the centre of the quake. Keep safe.

Doespins said...

Glad you're okay Shirley.
Certainly woke us up too and I'm amazed nothing fell off my shelves.
1 cat was very spooked by it all.
So was the teenager.

Françoise said...

Good to hear you are doing ok. I thought of you when I heard the news.