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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
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| Version 20 | Version 21 |
|---|---|
| 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) | |
| 3.22am GMT | |
| 03:22 | |
| Jasmijn de Boo, who recently arrived in New Zealand from Britain, had just fallen asleep in Wellington when the quake hit. | |
| I travelled from the UK and arrived in NZ for work two weeks ago (having never visited before), and had only been in Wellington for nine days when I experienced the earthquake last night. | |
| The week had already been filled by wild weather, with storms and lots of rainfall. As I had just fallen asleep I felt the shake at midnight and I thought it must have been gusts of wind, as the previous Sunday I had experienced two gusts of wind of 117km/h which shook the house where I am temporarily staying. | |
| But the shake continued and then a few books fell of a shelf when it started to dawn on me that it was an earthquake. My host soon checked on me to see if I was OK. The aftershocks kept us alert, and then, after an hour or so, we received warnings of possible tsunami. As I’m staying by the waterfront, we kept an eye on the water level. It quickly rose and receded by around a metre all through the night. | |
| At 3:45am the call was made to get into the car and drive to higher ground. We waited for nearly two hours, approximately 20m above sea level, where we could see the water and the house, after which we decided to go back. After 40 minutes of sleep my colleague rang to make arrangements for staff not to go into the office. As the CBD is mostly locked down, most staff wouldn’t be able to get to the office. Some of us are working from home. | |
| 3.05am GMT | |
| 03:05 | |
| John Key: damage in Kaikoura 'will take years to clean up' | |
| Speaking in Kaikoura @johnkeypm says damage much worse than he 1st thought, will cost hundreds of millions and take years to clean up | |
| 3.03am GMT | |
| 03:03 | |
| Gaming YouTuber Omega was in the middle of recording a video when the quake struck. | |
| Far from being frightened or even concerned by the strong shaking, he excitedly proclaims: “We’re actually having an earthquake” and seems to be enjoying himself. | |
| 6.6 Magnitude Earthquake caught while filming a YouTube Video! (NZ South Island) 😬 pic.twitter.com/GCZqxEg1Xq | |
| 2.54am GMT | |
| 02:54 | |
| Normally bustling Wellington is deserted today as residents heed the call from authorities urging them to stay away. | |
| Wellington resembles a ghost town as residents abandon central city after #eqnz https://t.co/qdEYstfv3r pic.twitter.com/oolnVzlSsg | |
| Feel like we're living on a sleeping dragon who's walking up. New cracks in my building on Cuba Street. #Wellington #eqnz #nz pic.twitter.com/ZjEklvgaWL | |
| It's quiet downtown. #Wellington #earthquake #eqnz pic.twitter.com/fvSes23NfQ | |
| Featherstone Street in Wellington Central. The normally thriving center of Wellington's Business District.#eqnz #WgtnCC #wgtn pic.twitter.com/glDtocLHJB | |
| 2.42am GMT | 2.42am GMT |
| 02:42 | 02:42 |
| Damage to Kiwirail network ‘significant’ | Damage to Kiwirail network ‘significant’ |
| An update from Kiwirail. https://t.co/2dGvAdRk3x pic.twitter.com/Wb5ctQsYuS | An update from Kiwirail. https://t.co/2dGvAdRk3x pic.twitter.com/Wb5ctQsYuS |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.43am GMT | at 2.43am GMT |
| 2.42am GMT | 2.42am GMT |
| 02:42 | 02:42 |
| NZ Transport Agency 'working urgently' to clear roads | NZ Transport Agency 'working urgently' to clear roads |
| The latest NZTA release says it is trying to reopen roads affected by the earthquake where it is safe to do so, but “there are many sites affected on State Highways 1 and 7”. | The latest NZTA release says it is trying to reopen roads affected by the earthquake where it is safe to do so, but “there are many sites affected on State Highways 1 and 7”. |
| State Highway 1, Picton to Blenheim/Seddon is now open but Seddon to Cheviot remains closed. Cheviot to Christchurch is open. | State Highway 1, Picton to Blenheim/Seddon is now open but Seddon to Cheviot remains closed. Cheviot to Christchurch is open. |
| Neil Walker, Transport Agency highway manager: | Neil Walker, Transport Agency highway manager: |
| We are aware that communities have been cut off by slips and we are working urgently with other agencies such as Police, KiwiRail and local authorities to coordinate efforts ensuring people are transported out of closed areas safely, and roads or alternative routes are open and safe to use as soon as possible.” | We are aware that communities have been cut off by slips and we are working urgently with other agencies such as Police, KiwiRail and local authorities to coordinate efforts ensuring people are transported out of closed areas safely, and roads or alternative routes are open and safe to use as soon as possible.” |
| “We are aware that communities have been cut off by slips and we are working urgently with other agencies such as Police, KiwiRail and local authorities to coordinate efforts ensuring people are transported out of closed areas safely, and roads or alternative routes are open and safe to use as soon as possible.” | “We are aware that communities have been cut off by slips and we are working urgently with other agencies such as Police, KiwiRail and local authorities to coordinate efforts ensuring people are transported out of closed areas safely, and roads or alternative routes are open and safe to use as soon as possible.” |
| Mr Walker said it was too soon to tell how long it will take to assess the damage on all the upper South Island highways in order to open routes, or open up safe detour routes. | Mr Walker said it was too soon to tell how long it will take to assess the damage on all the upper South Island highways in order to open routes, or open up safe detour routes. |
| 2.37am GMT | 2.37am GMT |
| 02:37 | 02:37 |
| Kaikoura, which means “to eat crayfish”, is a popular town for both New Zealanders and international travellers alike.The community of about 2,000 people is located where the snow-capped Southern Alps meet the rugged coastline of the Pacific ocean – some of New Zealand’s most striking landscape. | Kaikoura, which means “to eat crayfish”, is a popular town for both New Zealanders and international travellers alike.The community of about 2,000 people is located where the snow-capped Southern Alps meet the rugged coastline of the Pacific ocean – some of New Zealand’s most striking landscape. |
| Kaikoura, about two and a half hours drive north of Christchurch, is a year-round whale-watching destination. Air and sea tours give visitors the chance to see migrating sperm whales as well as humpback, minke, pilot and blue whales. | Kaikoura, about two and a half hours drive north of Christchurch, is a year-round whale-watching destination. Air and sea tours give visitors the chance to see migrating sperm whales as well as humpback, minke, pilot and blue whales. |
| The tours attract more than 100,000 people each year to the town. | The tours attract more than 100,000 people each year to the town. |
| 2.18am GMT | 2.18am GMT |
| 02:18 | 02:18 |
| Michael Slezak | Michael Slezak |
| Michael Slezak, Guardian Australia’s environment reporter, has pulled together an explainer on what caused the earthquake. | Michael Slezak, Guardian Australia’s environment reporter, has pulled together an explainer on what caused the earthquake. |
| Most NZ’s South Island is on a plate called the Pacific plate. But the northern part of South Island (and all of North Island) sit on the Australian plate. The boundary between the two is exactly where the earthquake occurred. | Most NZ’s South Island is on a plate called the Pacific plate. But the northern part of South Island (and all of North Island) sit on the Australian plate. The boundary between the two is exactly where the earthquake occurred. |
| At the location of the quake, the Pacific plate is moving roughly west at about 40mm a year relative to the Australian plate. In very general terms, that movement is causing the two plates to collide, creating tension which is released in earthquakes. | At the location of the quake, the Pacific plate is moving roughly west at about 40mm a year relative to the Australian plate. In very general terms, that movement is causing the two plates to collide, creating tension which is released in earthquakes. |
| Read the full story here: | Read the full story here: |
| 2.09am GMT | 2.09am GMT |
| 02:09 | 02:09 |
| What we know so far | What we know so far |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.21am GMT | at 2.21am GMT |
| 1.53am GMT | 1.53am GMT |
| 01:53 | 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: | 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 | 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 | 1.50am GMT |
| 01:50 | 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. | 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 | Update from urban search and rescue personnel in Kaikoura #eqnz pic.twitter.com/9q2WZB9Pi4 |
| 1.42am GMT | 1.42am GMT |
| 01:42 | 01:42 |
| 100-year-old woman pulled from rubble of collapsed homestead | 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. | 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 GMT | 1.32am GMT |
| 01:32 | 01:32 |
| State of emergency declared in Kaikoura | State of emergency declared in Kaikoura |
| Local state of emergency declared in Kaikoura & Hurunui.Tsunami warning remains from Wellington - Banks Peninsulahttps://t.co/eA5kTZmk37 | Local 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. The town is a tourist hot spot where visitors can go whale and dolphin watching on the water and from the air. | 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 | Updated |
| at 1.45am GMT | at 1.45am GMT |
| 1.15am GMT | 1.15am GMT |
| 01:15 | 01:15 |
| 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 GMT | 1.12am GMT |
| 01:12 | 01:12 |
| 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!! |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.13am GMT | at 1.13am GMT |
| 1.07am GMT | 1.07am GMT |
| 01:07 | 01:07 |
| 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/WLYlR31ixb | Luke 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/El3zkpda9U | Kira 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 #Kaikoura | Landlines 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/ivYI2ljJxZ | 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/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/8XRUbwqZva | Great 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 |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.18am GMT | at 1.18am GMT |