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New Zealand earthquake: two dead as tsunami threat passes – live New Zealand earthquake: two dead as tsunami threat passes – live
(35 minutes later)
10.34pm GMT
22:34
A press release from the New Zealand parliament confirms that prime minister John Key has postponed a trip to Argentina in the wake of the earthquakes.
Prime Minister John Key has today postponed his trip to Argentina, but intends to travel to Peru later this week to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting from November 19-20 if circumstances permit.
Mr Key was scheduled to depart tomorrow for Buenos Aires, Argentina for a series of meetings aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s trade, economic and political ties with the region, before travelling to Lima to attend APEC.
As a result of last night’s earthquake, Mr Key has made the decision to postpone his visit to Argentina.
“The situation is still unfolding and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage,” Mr Key says.
“I believe it is better that I remain in New Zealand in the coming days to offer my assistance and support until we have a better understanding of the event’s full impact.
“I want to thank Civil Defence and emergency services around the country who responded so rapidly, and also those New Zealanders who supported the large number of people who were evacuated.
“My officials have conveyed our apologies to the Argentine Government and I intend to call President Mauricio Macri in the next few days,” Mr Key says.
The decision on whether the trip to APEC will go ahead will be made later this week.
10.31pm GMT
22:31
Here are a few updates about the situation in various areas affected by the quakes, with thanks to colleagues in New Zealand who helped gather this:
Blenheim
Road from Blenheim to Picton is closed, Interislander ferry service between Picton and Wellington is not operating, with passengers stranded in both Picton and Wellington. Some traveller are staying inside the New Zealand Parliamentary buildings, in the beehive.
Emergency services are reporting they expect the ferry service to begin operations some time today.
Port Marlborough expecting to have Picton ferry terminal operational again today. No immediate return sailing: https://t.co/L0q626stvD
Kaikoura
Kaikoura, is cut off on both sides by large slips that have tumbled down the dramatic cliff faces along State Highway 1, the coastal highway.Adjacent to the coastal highway is a railway track that runs alongside the cliff, the force of the earthquake has lifted it up, toward the opposite side of the road and almost into the sea.Kaikoura is town on the east coast of the south Island of New Zealand, located on State Highway 1, 180km north of Christchurch. It has a population is about 2,000.Residents are still cut off from communication, with all mobile communication and emails down.
Wellington
The Wellington railway station has been closed and will undergo inspection due to the damage from the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.
New Zealand’s Civil defence have advised people to stay off beaches and out of the water. They have advised people to stay indoors and not go sight seeing
10.26pm GMT
22:26
I just received this from a colleague in New Zealand:
Blenheim resident Chris Thoms, 60, was in bed In Blenheim with her husband when the earthquake struck.
“It started off slowly, and then escalated beyond anything we’ve ever felt. I held my husband’s hand and said ‘this is it, I think it’s all over’.”
She described what felt like severe sharp jolts, that threw items off shelves and from the cupboards throughout their houses.
Once the quake stopped, they left the house, stood on the streets with all their neighbours checking in with each other.
10.18pm GMT
22:18
Caroline Little from GeoNet in New Zealand said on Radio New Zealand the movement of parks of South Island 2 meters north was “pretty incredible”.
Here's the readings from Cape Campbell, showing how the ground there suddenly moved 2m after the quake. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/lpxkIbWQMG
Little said that while some of the major earthquakes in New Zealand over the past decade have involved a lot of vertical movement, this quake was dominated by horizontal movement.
10.02pm GMT10.02pm GMT
22:0222:02
Here’s a little info about the history of quakes in this Northern part of South Island.Here’s a little info about the history of quakes in this Northern part of South Island.
According the the US Geological Survey, this plate boundary has a large history of major quakes, but last night’s M 7.8 was the largest there since 1929. According the the US Geological Survey, this plate boundary has a large history of major quakes, but last night’s M 7.5 was the largest there since 1929.
In June 1929, there was a M 7.3 quake 100km to the northwest of last night’s quake. That event occurred just three months after another major quake just 90km west-southwest of last night’s.In June 1929, there was a M 7.3 quake 100km to the northwest of last night’s quake. That event occurred just three months after another major quake just 90km west-southwest of last night’s.
And of course, around Christchurch, about 100km north of the new quake, there was a series of very damaging quakes between 2010 and 2015. That included a M 7.0 one west of Christchurch in September 2010, and another M 6.1 directly beneath the city in February 2011.And of course, around Christchurch, about 100km north of the new quake, there was a series of very damaging quakes between 2010 and 2015. That included a M 7.0 one west of Christchurch in September 2010, and another M 6.1 directly beneath the city in February 2011.
Updated
at 10.12pm GMT
9.44pm GMT9.44pm GMT
21:4421:44
The US Geological Survey says the quakes occurred in a very complex tectonic region, making interpreting the exact nature of the quake hard to infer.The US Geological Survey says the quakes occurred in a very complex tectonic region, making interpreting the exact nature of the quake hard to infer.
But it appeared to happen on or near the boundary between the Pacific and the Australian plate in South Island, New Zealand.But it appeared to happen on or near the boundary between the Pacific and the Australian plate in South Island, New Zealand.
In that region, the Pacific plate moves at about 40mm southwest each year, into the Australian plate.In that region, the Pacific plate moves at about 40mm southwest each year, into the Australian plate.
Earthquakes occur when tension built up by that movement is finally released, as the two plates slip past one another.Earthquakes occur when tension built up by that movement is finally released, as the two plates slip past one another.
There is confusion about the nature of the quake, since the size, depth and structure of the quake suggests it occurred in a subduction zone but it wasn’t thought that a subduction zone extended into that area.There is confusion about the nature of the quake, since the size, depth and structure of the quake suggests it occurred in a subduction zone but it wasn’t thought that a subduction zone extended into that area.
The US Geological Survey also confirms what we reported earlier, saying there could be more than one fault involved in the quakes.The US Geological Survey also confirms what we reported earlier, saying there could be more than one fault involved in the quakes.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.56pm GMTat 9.56pm GMT
9.30pm GMT9.30pm GMT
21:3021:30
Some of the images coming in of the land movement in Kaikoura are quite amazing. Here is one of Stuart Smith, the MP for Kaikoura, standing in a giant crack in a road.Some of the images coming in of the land movement in Kaikoura are quite amazing. Here is one of Stuart Smith, the MP for Kaikoura, standing in a giant crack in a road.
Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith stands in a road destroyed by the quake #eqnz pic.twitter.com/nzh7lUIWXqKaikoura MP Stuart Smith stands in a road destroyed by the quake #eqnz pic.twitter.com/nzh7lUIWXq
More photos from North Canterbury showing how the roads have stood up to the quake. 'Not well', apparently:#EQNZ pic.twitter.com/5vq5X9Crj6More photos from North Canterbury showing how the roads have stood up to the quake. 'Not well', apparently:#EQNZ pic.twitter.com/5vq5X9Crj6
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.33pm GMTat 9.33pm GMT
9.23pm GMT9.23pm GMT
21:2321:23
There are now concerns about water in the affected regions, with farmers in Ward reporting they will have trouble keeping their stock watered.There are now concerns about water in the affected regions, with farmers in Ward reporting they will have trouble keeping their stock watered.
And some residents are saying drinking water has gone murky.And some residents are saying drinking water has gone murky.
Water in Ngaio Wellington has gone murky. Hopefully just a little sediment. #eqnzWater in Ngaio Wellington has gone murky. Hopefully just a little sediment. #eqnz
The water supply in Raglan is still affected. Please conserve water. Only use for drinking. You do not need to boil it first.The water supply in Raglan is still affected. Please conserve water. Only use for drinking. You do not need to boil it first.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.46pm GMTat 9.46pm GMT
9.15pm GMT9.15pm GMT
21:1521:15
If you are in any regions affected by the quakes in New Zealand and have photographs of damage, tweet them to me at @mikeyslezak and I’ll try to get them up on the liveblog.If you are in any regions affected by the quakes in New Zealand and have photographs of damage, tweet them to me at @mikeyslezak and I’ll try to get them up on the liveblog.
9.11pm GMT9.11pm GMT
21:1121:11
According to Kelvin Berryman from GNS Science, parts of New Zealand have moved 2 metres north as a result of the quakes. He said on Radio New Zealand GPS measurements at one of the northern measurements sites appeared to move about 2 metres after the quakes.According to Kelvin Berryman from GNS Science, parts of New Zealand have moved 2 metres north as a result of the quakes. He said on Radio New Zealand GPS measurements at one of the northern measurements sites appeared to move about 2 metres after the quakes.
9.06pm GMT
21:06
The New Zealand Herald is reporting there have been three possible cases of homes being looted, following evacuations.
As of 9am Christchurch police had received three reports of burglaries which Canterbury District Commander Superintendent John Price said “appear to have occurred while people were evacuated following the earthquakes”.
“Police will investigate each report as usual and are absolutely confident we can deal with normal crime as well as the earthquake response and reassurance,” Price told the Herald.
9.01pm GMT
21:01
Possibly making matters worse for residents and emergency service workers in New Zealand, a severe weather warning has been issued for some of the areas affected by the quakes.
The New Zealand MetService is warning of gale force winds and “heavy thundery rain”. It’s likely to mostly affect the West Coast, the MetService said.
The MetService reports:
Severe gale north to northwest winds are forecast to develop in exposed parts of Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlborough Monday evening, then ease on Tuesday. Winds of this strength could lift roofs, damage trees and cause hazardous driving conditions.
8.50pm GMT
20:50
Geoscience New Zealand: two separate quakes may be to blame
Kelvin Berryman from GNS Science has told Radio New Zealand the earthquake is increasingly looking like two separate quakes.
Berryman said the quake started in one in the Southern part of the area that was impacted, and then “very quickly” moved North. He said it appears the two quakes occurred in two different faults, although it’s not yet clear exactly which ones.
He said scientists are now trying to figure out which faults were involved, and how that has affected other faults – and whether that could be adding stress to those faults or not.
Berryman said Geoscience New Zealand will be putting out some “scenarios” out there as they develop some hypotheses. He expected to get those out today, and then would revise them as more information was at hand.
Updated
at 9.00pm GMT
8.41pm GMT
20:41
The US Geological Survey says the has some interesting detail about the history of earthquakes in the region. Last night’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake is the largest in the region since 1929, when a 7.3 earthquake struck 100 km to the northwest. The June 1929 earthquake occurred just three months after the March 1929 Arthur’s Pass strike-slip earthquake, 90 km to the west-southwest of the last night’s event.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck New Zealand on November 13, 2016 at 11:02:56 UTC. https://t.co/awfMAGkmK3 pic.twitter.com/EOvUrIUagr
The USGS says the quake occurred as the result of a “shallow oblique-reverse faulting on or near the boundary between the Pacific and Australia plates in South Island, New Zealand”. The Pacific plate moves to the west-southwest about 40 mm a year.
8.39pm GMT
20:39
My colleague Eleanor Ainge Roy in Dunedin has filed a full report on the earthquake in New Zealand.
She reports some comments from the New Zealand prime minister:
The prime minister, John Key, said the quake was the most significant he could remember feeling in Wellington.
“I know from the Christchurch earthquakes how much it undermines people’s confidence, but I want to reassure people that there will be support there. It was a very significant shock.”
Key said he was unable to give further information on the fatalities until authorities had confirmed all the details. He said officials had no reason to believe the death toll would rise.
“On the very best information we have at the moment, we think it’s only likely to be two. But of course there are isolated parts of the country which we don’t have perfect eyes on, so we can’t be 100% sure,” he said.
You can read the full report here.
8.32pm GMT
20:32
Australian Associated Press reports that the New Zealand dollar has fallen to its lowest level in about a month after last night’s quake.
The kiwi fell to 70.88 US cents as at 8am in Wellington, from 71.26 cents in late New York trading on Friday. The trade-weighted index fell to 76.97 from 77.21.
“The kiwi was under pressure against the US dollar last week but this morning it is all about the earthquake,” said ANZ’s Philip Borkin.
“Until we get greater clarity I think the bias will remain to the downside.” Until then, it wasn’t clear if the latest quakes would have the economic impact of the Christchurch quakes or amount to a minor shutdown in Wellington, he said. “Markets don’t like uncertainty.”
The local currency fell to 75.54 yen from 75.99 yen on Friday in New York. It fell to 93.84 Australian cents from 94.35 cents and declined to 4.8235 yuan from 4.8521 yuan, dropped to 56.21 British pence from 56.52 pence and slipped to 65.42 euro cents from 65.62 cents.
8.29pm GMT
20:29
Aerial footage from helicopters surveying the damage has shown massive landslides cutting off roads in New Zealand.
News Now has posted the footage to their website and Facebook:
And residents in New Zealand are posting images to Twitter of damage around the country.
whoa - kaikoura coast road (shared on FB) pic.twitter.com/UN16Qo0hgw
GeoNet: 7.5 magnitude shake was two separate earthquakes https://t.co/nX15HhSwn1 #eqnz pic.twitter.com/FkEomY6v2W
Updated
at 8.52pm GMT
8.22pm GMT
20:22
My colleague Paul Karp reports:
Australian prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, has spoken to Channel Seven’s Sunrise about the New Zealand quake.
He said:“I spoke with John Key a few moments ago. I assured him of absolute solidarity and support from Australia. John appreciated that. He knows that we support them when it comes to emergencies and natural disasters.”Turnbull did not offer any details about what support Australia would be prepared to provide.
He offered condolences:
“So far they have reports of two deaths, and be passed on our condolences there. But obviously, it is early days. [John Key] is a great leader. New Zealand is very experienced with dealing with earthquakes, and I am sure he will have the matter in hand.”
8.18pm GMT
20:18
Sarah Stuart-Black, director of Civil Defence and Emergency Management in New Zealand, told Radio New Zealand that the areas they remain most concerned about are the areas for which there remains a tsunami warning – coastal areas from Napier to north of Dunedin, Cook Straight coastal areas and The Chatham Islands.
She reiterated that people in those areas should stay away from beaches, rivers and estuaries, as there could be large waves and unusual currents.
8.06pm GMT
20:06
Wellington city workers told to stay at home
It is now 9am in New Zealand and the full impact of the overnight 7.5 magnitude earthquake is beginning to be understood. Power is out and phone lines are still down in some areas and roads have cracked and sunk by up to half a metre, restricting access by emergency services.
The small North Canterbury township of Waiau is feared to be worst hit along with Kaikoura, the scene of one of the casualties. Paramedics are being flown by helicopter to Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura, where a command unit is being established.
New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, has suffered some damage with workers in the city centre told to stay home. Ships and ferries are waiting in the harbour until authorities can assess the damage to wharves before they dock, which is expected to be in the mid-afternoon.
Wellington City Council posted an update stating that it was likely not all buildings would be able to be made safe and there was a risk the forecast winds of up to 140kmh could bring glass and other materials into the streets.
Updated
at 8.58pm GMT