This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/nov/14/new-zealand-earthquake-evacuations-tsnuami-east-coast-south-north-islands

The article has changed 33 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 18 Version 19
New Zealand earthquake: strong aftershocks as roads and rivers blocked – live New Zealand earthquake: strong aftershocks as roads and rivers blocked – live
(35 minutes later)
2.09am GMT
02:09
What we know so far
1.53am GMT
01:53
This was the scene that greeted a Newshub reporter on his arrival in Waiau, one of the towns close to the epicentre of the quake that was cut off:
Found a way into Waiau, hiked in after they lost bridges and roads Met the poor family who fled this house with their two young girls #eqnz pic.twitter.com/pXgxB51FmC
1.50am GMT
01:50
A little update from the rescue effort inside Kaikoura, including the good news that emergency teams have not had to treat any badly injured people.
Update from urban search and rescue personnel in Kaikoura #eqnz pic.twitter.com/9q2WZB9Pi4
1.42am GMT
01:42
100-year-old woman pulled from rubble of collapsed homestead
The New Zealand Herald reports that centenarian Margaret Edgar has been rescued from the Elms Homestead near Kaikoura, where one other person died. The building was completely destroyed by the quake. Edgar had lived there since 1952.
1.32am GMT1.32am GMT
01:3201:32
State of emergency declared in KaikouraState of emergency declared in Kaikoura
Local state of emergency declared in Kaikoura & Hurunui.Tsunami warning remains from Wellington - Banks Peninsulahttps://t.co/eA5kTZmk37Local state of emergency declared in Kaikoura & Hurunui.Tsunami warning remains from Wellington - Banks Peninsulahttps://t.co/eA5kTZmk37
With phone lines still down, there is continuing concern for people in Kaikoura. With phone lines still down, there is continuing concern for people in Kaikoura. The town is a tourist hot spot where visitors can go whale and dolphin watching on the water and from the air.
Looking for my brother and his wife honeymooning in #Kaikoura NZ when #EQNZ hit DM for details Name: Scott Rolnik and Ashley-Lynn Goldstein.Looking for my brother and his wife honeymooning in #Kaikoura NZ when #EQNZ hit DM for details Name: Scott Rolnik and Ashley-Lynn Goldstein.
As we reported below, police say people in the town should be contactable via phone soon.As we reported below, police say people in the town should be contactable via phone soon.
Updated
at 1.45am GMT
1.15am GMT1.15am GMT
01:1501:15
This stretch of railway has been shunted over a road and down a hill towards the sea.This stretch of railway has been shunted over a road and down a hill towards the sea.
@IsobelEwing I gave them this angle and I think they can see it's legit now. Crazy footage. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/FVVkOqxEgU@IsobelEwing I gave them this angle and I think they can see it's legit now. Crazy footage. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/FVVkOqxEgU
1.12am GMT1.12am GMT
01:1201:12
Stuart Ross in Wellington has emailed in with his experience of the quake.Stuart Ross in Wellington has emailed in with his experience of the quake.
Biggest quake I have felt in my 12 years in NZ.Biggest quake I have felt in my 12 years in NZ.
Sometimes you get the odd jolt that wakes you up but last night the jolt just kept on getting stronger as the house shook around me and things fell onto the floor, the house was moving side to side and it was hard to stand, that’s when you know it’s BIG.Sometimes you get the odd jolt that wakes you up but last night the jolt just kept on getting stronger as the house shook around me and things fell onto the floor, the house was moving side to side and it was hard to stand, that’s when you know it’s BIG.
Not at work today just staying away from the city as civil defence has asked people to stay away from the CBD and I have packed a rucksack with water and supplies ready for the next aftershock which I am sure will come.Not at work today just staying away from the city as civil defence has asked people to stay away from the CBD and I have packed a rucksack with water and supplies ready for the next aftershock which I am sure will come.
I am beginning to think I can predict them as last week I said to a friend I feel like a quake is due, it has been too long.I am beginning to think I can predict them as last week I said to a friend I feel like a quake is due, it has been too long.
It is a scary act of God that leaves us feeling vulnerable and small, in Wellington the earthquake followed torrential downpours and tonight gale force winds. O joy!!It is a scary act of God that leaves us feeling vulnerable and small, in Wellington the earthquake followed torrential downpours and tonight gale force winds. O joy!!
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.13am GMTat 1.13am GMT
1.07am GMT1.07am GMT
01:0701:07
As Kaikoura is cut off by road and telecommunications, people are reaching out on social media trying to communicate to see if their family members and friends are safe.As Kaikoura is cut off by road and telecommunications, people are reaching out on social media trying to communicate to see if their family members and friends are safe.
Luke Bennett R U safe? #Kaikoura https://t.co/WLYlR31ixbLuke Bennett R U safe? #Kaikoura https://t.co/WLYlR31ixb
Kira Stihl (left) and Sophie Bohler (right) were travelling through #kaikoura #newzealand during… https://t.co/El3zkpda9UKira Stihl (left) and Sophie Bohler (right) were travelling through #kaikoura #newzealand during… https://t.co/El3zkpda9U
Landlines aint working, I've dialed three different ones and they are not going. @nzpolice #eqnz #KaikouraLandlines aint working, I've dialed three different ones and they are not going. @nzpolice #eqnz #Kaikoura
Latest from Chorus. Ppl in #Kaikoura can call within Kaikoura but not out. Map of affected areas here https://t.co/xzMRr2XKZq pic.twitter.com/ivYI2ljJxZLatest from Chorus. Ppl in #Kaikoura can call within Kaikoura but not out. Map of affected areas here https://t.co/xzMRr2XKZq pic.twitter.com/ivYI2ljJxZ
But there has been good news for some.But there has been good news for some.
Great news he is safe in #kaikoura https://t.co/8XRUbwqZvaGreat news he is safe in #kaikoura https://t.co/8XRUbwqZva
#Kaikoura @HapukuLodge thay are all ok they have made it to the hospital for wifi#Kaikoura @HapukuLodge thay are all ok they have made it to the hospital for wifi
The town is expected to be reconnected to mobile phone service shortly.The town is expected to be reconnected to mobile phone service shortly.
#Eqnz #Kaikoura update: Police have radio comms with the town at present, and cellphone comms will come online soon: https://t.co/OUI0qcuB8p#Eqnz #Kaikoura update: Police have radio comms with the town at present, and cellphone comms will come online soon: https://t.co/OUI0qcuB8p
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.18am GMTat 1.18am GMT
1.00am GMT1.00am GMT
01:0001:00
John Key is in a helicopter flying over affected areas to survey the damage.John Key is in a helicopter flying over affected areas to survey the damage.
Heading south with Gerry Brownlee and Andrew Little to check in on the people of Kaikoura and surrounding areas. pic.twitter.com/dMQ3xi5xPnHeading south with Gerry Brownlee and Andrew Little to check in on the people of Kaikoura and surrounding areas. pic.twitter.com/dMQ3xi5xPn
12.58am GMT12.58am GMT
00:5800:58
The strong aftershock was felt by Mark Gilbert, US ambassador to New Zealand & Samoa.The strong aftershock was felt by Mark Gilbert, US ambassador to New Zealand & Samoa.
Another aftershock. 6.6. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/LmRrGhE0CcAnother aftershock. 6.6. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/LmRrGhE0Cc
12.57am GMT12.57am GMT
00:5700:57
More images of severe damage to roads are emerging. The task facing reconstruction teams is huge.More images of severe damage to roads are emerging. The task facing reconstruction teams is huge.
Severe earthquake damage to roads South of Clarence stops blocks the path of motorists. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/wbaKqOWlF4Severe earthquake damage to roads South of Clarence stops blocks the path of motorists. #eqnz pic.twitter.com/wbaKqOWlF4
This... pic.twitter.com/RnDLLxEOV0This... pic.twitter.com/RnDLLxEOV0
And one more pic.twitter.com/nM7E6KosStAnd one more pic.twitter.com/nM7E6KosSt
12.53am GMT12.53am GMT
00:5300:53
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.08am GMTat 1.08am GMT
12.44am GMT12.44am GMT
00:4400:44
6.8 magnitude aftershock hits6.8 magnitude aftershock hits
The largest earthquake since the main 7.5 quake overnight occurred just now, just after 1.35pm. The magnitude 6.8 quake struck 30km north of the town of Cheviot, which lies on the east of the South Island, south of Kaikoura.The largest earthquake since the main 7.5 quake overnight occurred just now, just after 1.35pm. The magnitude 6.8 quake struck 30km north of the town of Cheviot, which lies on the east of the South Island, south of Kaikoura.
6.8 earthquake, 39km SW of Kaikoura, New Zealand. 2016-11-14 12:34:27 at epicenter (13m ago, depth 10km). https://t.co/orVl1PLJz86.8 earthquake, 39km SW of Kaikoura, New Zealand. 2016-11-14 12:34:27 at epicenter (13m ago, depth 10km). https://t.co/orVl1PLJz8
nothing like doing an i/v during a hefty aftershock and debating whether or not you need to dive under your desknothing like doing an i/v during a hefty aftershock and debating whether or not you need to dive under your desk
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.56am GMTat 12.56am GMT
12.42am GMT12.42am GMT
00:4200:42
Wellington infrastructure 'held up really well'Wellington infrastructure 'held up really well'
Justin Lester, the mayor of Wellington City Council, has said more detailed assessments of buildings had been carried out in the capital city.Justin Lester, the mayor of Wellington City Council, has said more detailed assessments of buildings had been carried out in the capital city.
A number of buildings need some work, but in the most part the infrastructure held up really well. We won’t be entering our own council buildings tomorrow at this stage.”A number of buildings need some work, but in the most part the infrastructure held up really well. We won’t be entering our own council buildings tomorrow at this stage.”
All the roads, tunnels and bridges are operational in Wellington, he said.All the roads, tunnels and bridges are operational in Wellington, he said.
WCC officers pin-pointing buildings damage and contacting owners. The EQ response has been swift and professional. Well done to all involved pic.twitter.com/4aJr1QjN6TWCC officers pin-pointing buildings damage and contacting owners. The EQ response has been swift and professional. Well done to all involved pic.twitter.com/4aJr1QjN6T
12.39am GMT12.39am GMT
00:3900:39
Raglan resident have been advised to boil their water for the next three days.Raglan resident have been advised to boil their water for the next three days.
#Raglan residents - boil your drinking water for the next three days #eqnz https://t.co/ttOzC62UQj#Raglan residents - boil your drinking water for the next three days #eqnz https://t.co/ttOzC62UQj
The Waikato District Council said the “normally crystal clear” spring that feeds the town’s treatment plant had been discoloured by the quake.The Waikato District Council said the “normally crystal clear” spring that feeds the town’s treatment plant had been discoloured by the quake.
While the water that is currently in the reservoir is safe to drink, Council will begin to re-supply the water from the spring this afternoon and we are asking people to boil their drinking water for one minute over the next three days as a precautionary measure.While the water that is currently in the reservoir is safe to drink, Council will begin to re-supply the water from the spring this afternoon and we are asking people to boil their drinking water for one minute over the next three days as a precautionary measure.
This is on the advice from the Ministry of Health while further tests are being carried out. We believe the risk is low but this is a safety precaution to make sure everyone is kept safe.This is on the advice from the Ministry of Health while further tests are being carried out. We believe the risk is low but this is a safety precaution to make sure everyone is kept safe.
In the meantime, we also urge residents to continue reducing their non-essential water.In the meantime, we also urge residents to continue reducing their non-essential water.
12.35am GMT12.35am GMT
00:3500:35
There will be a lot of cleaning up to do in offices, art galleries and public buildings in Wellington, where the shaking from the quake caused mayhem.There will be a lot of cleaning up to do in offices, art galleries and public buildings in Wellington, where the shaking from the quake caused mayhem.
Thanks for your messages. We are OK - just a few 'bruised' CDs. There's no Upbeat today but we will play requests for frayed nerves instead. pic.twitter.com/DRRy5iMe25Thanks for your messages. We are OK - just a few 'bruised' CDs. There's no Upbeat today but we will play requests for frayed nerves instead. pic.twitter.com/DRRy5iMe25
Oops. The Herald office looking worse for wear pic.twitter.com/zX7XuFqMTfOops. The Herald office looking worse for wear pic.twitter.com/zX7XuFqMTf
Man down! Parliament's art collection has taken a hit from tonight's quakes pic.twitter.com/v8gCc54CJPMan down! Parliament's art collection has taken a hit from tonight's quakes pic.twitter.com/v8gCc54CJP
Parliament's 120 year-old library building has a few scrapes too #eqnz pic.twitter.com/tBjrJjhqEjParliament's 120 year-old library building has a few scrapes too #eqnz pic.twitter.com/tBjrJjhqEj
12.30am GMT12.30am GMT
00:3000:30
'It felt as though it wasn't going to stop''It felt as though it wasn't going to stop'
We are getting some descriptions of what it was like when the earthquake struck Wellington in the middle of the night.We are getting some descriptions of what it was like when the earthquake struck Wellington in the middle of the night.
Nick Edwards, in the suburb of Petone, writes:Nick Edwards, in the suburb of Petone, writes:
We’re used to earthquakes but that one was the longest, most violent one we’ve experienced.We’re used to earthquakes but that one was the longest, most violent one we’ve experienced.
We were lying in bed thinking “this is a strong one” ... then the quake *really* started. Rolled out of bed onto the floor. It felt as though it wasn’t going to stop as the the shaking got worse, watching the walls flex and expecting the coving to come down, listening to the bangs and cracks and groans and creaks from the building. Then big flashes from outside and showers of sparks and all the lights went out. Super scary.We were lying in bed thinking “this is a strong one” ... then the quake *really* started. Rolled out of bed onto the floor. It felt as though it wasn’t going to stop as the the shaking got worse, watching the walls flex and expecting the coving to come down, listening to the bangs and cracks and groans and creaks from the building. Then big flashes from outside and showers of sparks and all the lights went out. Super scary.
We grabbed the emergency kit and loaded in the kids’ clothes and watched Twitter. Once the tsunami report came through we were in the car and up to Maungaraki. As more people heeded the warnings and drove up the hill it became quite a party atmosphere. Imagine everyone parked up on the side of the road, looking out over the Hutt Valley lights, sharing stories of not being able to find the cats and other ordinary problems. One of those surreal moments.We grabbed the emergency kit and loaded in the kids’ clothes and watched Twitter. Once the tsunami report came through we were in the car and up to Maungaraki. As more people heeded the warnings and drove up the hill it became quite a party atmosphere. Imagine everyone parked up on the side of the road, looking out over the Hutt Valley lights, sharing stories of not being able to find the cats and other ordinary problems. One of those surreal moments.
Today has been a story of no power, aftershock after aftershock and keeping the kids occupied and distracted. Based on previous experience we can expect at least one more big one. But all you can do is ignore it and get back to work.Today has been a story of no power, aftershock after aftershock and keeping the kids occupied and distracted. Based on previous experience we can expect at least one more big one. But all you can do is ignore it and get back to work.
Rachel from North Wellington said it was the worst quake she had felt for 20 years:Rachel from North Wellington said it was the worst quake she had felt for 20 years:
No damage at our house, up a hill on rock, but the quake was very loud, very long and very scary. The house shook for ages. Nothing fell over though. Bizarrely enough 3 of 5 of our family slept right through it. I wasn’t one of them.No damage at our house, up a hill on rock, but the quake was very loud, very long and very scary. The house shook for ages. Nothing fell over though. Bizarrely enough 3 of 5 of our family slept right through it. I wasn’t one of them.
We have twins who are year 11, at different schools who were both due to sit their NCEA science exam today (GCSE equivalent). My son’s school went ahead with it, although school is closed to classes; my daughter’s school is in town where the damage has been much worse, and they called off the exam. As a result there are plenty of extremely stressed students out there who did not do well in their practice exams, which will be used in place of the real thing to derive their final subject grade. As far as I know, no option to resit.We have twins who are year 11, at different schools who were both due to sit their NCEA science exam today (GCSE equivalent). My son’s school went ahead with it, although school is closed to classes; my daughter’s school is in town where the damage has been much worse, and they called off the exam. As a result there are plenty of extremely stressed students out there who did not do well in their practice exams, which will be used in place of the real thing to derive their final subject grade. As far as I know, no option to resit.
Small worries though in the big scheme of things. We are thankful that we are safe and our loved ones are safe too and our thoughts are with those communities who have been affected far worse.Small worries though in the big scheme of things. We are thankful that we are safe and our loved ones are safe too and our thoughts are with those communities who have been affected far worse.
Getting lots of aftershocks, although there are galeforce winds building up and the house is shaking from that as well!Getting lots of aftershocks, although there are galeforce winds building up and the house is shaking from that as well!
Bunkering down listening to the fabulous National Radio programme to give us updates and lots of tea and coffee.Bunkering down listening to the fabulous National Radio programme to give us updates and lots of tea and coffee.
12.23am GMT12.23am GMT
00:2300:23
The New Zealand department of foreign affairs and trade has published some information for visitors to the country and New Zealanders overseas following the quake.The New Zealand department of foreign affairs and trade has published some information for visitors to the country and New Zealanders overseas following the quake.
It says visitors should continue to follow instructions of civil defence authorities in your region and the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) website. Those overseas with concerns about loved ones that they cannot reach directly should contact their local embassy or high commission.It says visitors should continue to follow instructions of civil defence authorities in your region and the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (MCDEM) website. Those overseas with concerns about loved ones that they cannot reach directly should contact their local embassy or high commission.