New Zealand Earthquake

[Davo J]

I hope John Hill and any other members and their families are OK.
I have been watching it on TV and it looks horrific.

Dave

[John Hill]

We are fine thanks Dave, but we are 80ks from Christhchurch.  It looks pretty bad, especially considering the recent 7.2 which did a lot of damage and only one serious injury.  This time, they are talking about a mortuary being set up in a central park etc.

[sbwhart]

Just seen the news on BBC looks bad, pleased that you and yours are OK John.

Thoughts are prayers with all you all.

Stew

[Stilldrillin]

Thinking of all the people who are affected by this disaster.....

David & Christine.

[Davo J]

They also said the inspectors where in the church inspecting the damage from last time when this earthquake hit. They have not heard or seen anyone come out, and think they have perished under the rubble.
Their has been a lady that the TV channel has had on the phone, but rescuers haven't found yet and was crushed on the second floor of a building.

Dave

[John Hill]

The deaths will surely be in the 3 figures,  although now only an 'official' figure of 3 dozen or so there are scores missing.

[sorveltaja]

I wish to send all the hope I can, to people, who struggle in the middle of that earthsquake.

Makes our local frosty weather problems zero, nowt, nothing.

[Artie]

The news this morning is telling me that there are 113 confirmed casualties and still hundreds missing. As NZ's closest neighbour we have sent our personell and equipment, but I send you my wishes as well. the ANZAC tradition is as strong as it always has been.

[John Hill]

Thank you Artie, yes the ANZAC tradition is very dear to us too.   Sometimes it us sending rural fire fighters but this time it was the other way around.  I was very pleased to hear that when your contingent arrived at Christchurch airport there was quite a crowd to cheer their arrival! 

[Tugwilson]

May I send my heart felt condolences to the families that have lost loved ones. I live 6 miles from Christchurch UK and know they are doing what they can to help. also our search and rescue lads with dogs are on their way. OZ and NZ will always be dear to us brits. God Bless and keep you all safe.

Tug

[saw]

I feel very sorry for all of the people in New Zealand. 

[Pete49]

John I have a question about the quake. I know its probably known but I have no idea what the grey silt that they are shovelling away is or how it is connected with the quake.
Other than that I was shocked at the loss of life there and my heart goes out to those that have lost loved ones.
Pete

[Stilldrillin]

Pete.
As I understand it......

Christchurch is built on a layer of gravel, with water seeped down through.

An earthquake forces the water up through the gravel to the surface, making everything "float", and bringing the fine particles with it.

David D

[John Hill]

John I have a question about the quake. I know its probably known but I have no idea what the grey silt that they are shovelling away is or how it is connected with the quake.
Other than that I was shocked at the loss of life there and my heart goes out to those that have lost loved ones.
Pete

Yes, as David said much of the city was built on reclaimed wet lands and the shake causes the light stuff to come to the surface while the heavier gravels, road foundations, building foundations and even buildings and vehicles tend to sink right in.   In some parts of Christchurch if you try to dig a post hole it will be full of water before you have got the post in as the water table is very close to the surface.  They have artesian water in some areas too so obviously any disruption to the ground can allow that water to rush to the surface.   The 25 storey hotel that has a dangerous lean in down Christchurch has presumably lost its foundations, but thats just my summation I have not seen any official comment on that detail. 

We are 80kms south built on a gravel and sand alluvial plane but the water table is much lower being 200' or so down and liquifaction is not an issue here, well thats what I tell myself anyway!