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/15/new-zealand-earthquake-floods-wellington-kaikoura
The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 7 | Version 8 |
|---|---|
| New Zealand earthquake: up to 100,000 landslides amid aftershocks – live | New Zealand earthquake: up to 100,000 landslides amid aftershocks – live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 4.18am GMT | |
| 04:18 | |
| State of emergency declared in Canterbury | |
| The civil defence emergency management group for Canterbury – which covers the stranded town of Kaikoura – declared a state of emergency on Tuesday afternoon. | |
| Lianne Dalziel, mayor of Christchurch, said: | |
| Canterbury Mayors are united in their support for the people of Hurunui [district] and Kaikoura and we believe by declaring a state of local emergency in Canterbury we are in better position to coordinate support across the region. | |
| 4.13am GMT | |
| 04:13 | |
| Wellington’s Westpac stadium has confirmed that, although it has suffered no major structural damage, some repairs are needed and this Saturday’s A-league game will be postponed. | |
| A statement on its website said: | |
| Following a detailed engineering assessment, Westpac stadium has been cleared of major structural damage. The stadium closed its doors yesterday as a precautionary measure following the Kaikoura 7.5 earthquake early on Monday morning. | |
| Stadium offices, and the ground level of the public car park, reopened on Tuesday. However the internal concourse and seating bowl remain closed until repairs have been completed. These repairs are expected to take two weeks to complete. | |
| As a result, Football Federation of Australia in consultation with the Wellington Phoenix and the stadium, has made the decision to postpone this weekend’s A-league fixture between [Wellington] Phoenix and Melbourne Victory … | |
| Damage included burst water pipes, concrete cracking and spalling, broken windows and some liquefaction on the stadium ring road. The mezzanine level car park will remain closed until repairs are conducted on the car park up-ramp. | |
| 4.02am GMT | |
| 04:02 | |
| Reuters reports that China is taking its own steps to evacuate some of its citizens from stricken Kaikoura: | |
| China chartered four helicopters to evacuate around 40 nationals, mostly elderly and children, from Kaikoura late on Monday, said Liu Lian, an official at the Chinese consulate in Christchurch. | |
| One Chinese national had been treated for a minor head injury in Kaikoura’s hospital, Liu said, and around 60 others would be evacuated on Tuesday. | |
| “They have been trapped in Kaikoura for a couple of days, some are maybe scared, they have some mental stress,” Liu told Reuters. Many planned to continue journeys to other parts of New Zealand, Liu said. | |
| 3.53am GMT | |
| 03:53 | |
| Reader Sophie Gale, from Somerset, UK, emails to say that she and her partner Ben were holidaying in Wellington when the first quakes began: | |
| We are currently staying at the Amora hotel on the seventh floor. I woke up at midnight local time last night as I felt a slight tremor. By the time I woke Ben up, the room was really beginning to shake. | |
| He went to the window to look outside and as soon as he crossed the room the full brunt of the earthquake hit and he was thrown across the room. The noise from the earthquake was indescribable, it was incredibly loud, at the same time we could also see bright white flashes outside from power lines being ripped apart. It lasted 30 seconds but it felt a lot longer. | |
| We ran down the emergency exit and it felt like something out of a movie: ceilings were falling down, cracks were rapidly appearing in the walls and the water pipes had burst so water was pouring down from the ceilings and flooding the corridors. The hotel staff were brilliant and we all sat outside waiting for the all-clear. | |
| Once outside, the tsunami siren starting ringing. A lot of people fled to Mount Victoria but this caused gridlock on the roads. We were given the all-clear to go back into the building at 3am, thinking we would be relatively safe on the seventh floor if a tsunami was to hit. | |
| Since then, we have felt eight major aftershocks, all ranging from about 5.7- 6.6. The hotel shakes and sways and the CBD in Wellington looks like a ghost town. | |
| We were having dinner when a 6.5 hit at 8.15pm local time. Seeing the restaurant and the high street outside swaying is something I will never forget. We haven’t been able to leave Wellington as our car is trapped in a car park which is waiting to be assessed before we are allowed to gain access. The front of the car park has collapsed. | |
| We were meant to be going over to Picton today but the ferries have stopped as the ports have sustained major damage. | |
| The most amazing thing is that for such a powerful earthquake, the damage caused is very minimal compared to the Christchurch earthquake 2011. We woke up expecting devastation. Everybody has been extremely lucky. | |
| 3.41am GMT | 3.41am GMT |
| 03:41 | 03:41 |
| A reader below the line asks: | A reader below the line asks: |
| Does anyone know what the difference between an aftershock and a new quake is, especially as aftershocks can still measure in the 5s and 6s? | Does anyone know what the difference between an aftershock and a new quake is, especially as aftershocks can still measure in the 5s and 6s? |
| This from the United States Geological Survey helps to explain: | This from the United States Geological Survey helps to explain: |
| Aftershocks are earthquakes that follow the largest shock of an earthquake sequence. They are smaller than the mainshock and within 1-2 rupture lengths distance from the mainshock. Aftershocks can continue over a period of weeks, months, or years. | Aftershocks are earthquakes that follow the largest shock of an earthquake sequence. They are smaller than the mainshock and within 1-2 rupture lengths distance from the mainshock. Aftershocks can continue over a period of weeks, months, or years. |
| In general, the larger the mainshock, the larger and more numerous the aftershocks, and the longer they will continue. | In general, the larger the mainshock, the larger and more numerous the aftershocks, and the longer they will continue. |
| My colleague Michael Slezak has also answered some of the questions about the New Zealand earthquake(s) here: | My colleague Michael Slezak has also answered some of the questions about the New Zealand earthquake(s) here: |
| 3.29am GMT | 3.29am GMT |
| 03:29 | 03:29 |
| John Key's missed call from Donald Trump | John Key's missed call from Donald Trump |
| Prime minister John Key has told the NZ Herald that the US, Japan and Malaysia have offered assistance but he is confident the country has the capacity to deal with the aftermath of the earthquakes itself. | Prime minister John Key has told the NZ Herald that the US, Japan and Malaysia have offered assistance but he is confident the country has the capacity to deal with the aftermath of the earthquakes itself. |
| And Key explains why he missed a call from Donald Trump in the midst of the quake response: | And Key explains why he missed a call from Donald Trump in the midst of the quake response: |
| I didn’t see the call when it came … in the hurly-burly of things I didn’t notice that. | I didn’t see the call when it came … in the hurly-burly of things I didn’t notice that. |
| He said the call with the president-elect will now probably happen on Wednesday. | He said the call with the president-elect will now probably happen on Wednesday. |
| 3.20am GMT | 3.20am GMT |
| 03:20 | 03:20 |
| Images show some of these many landslides – and the effects. | Images show some of these many landslides – and the effects. |
| In the northeast South Island, a slip has contributed to the breaching of the Clarence river: | In the northeast South Island, a slip has contributed to the breaching of the Clarence river: |
| Workers have been clearing state highway 1 in the South Island after landslides blocked roads: | Workers have been clearing state highway 1 in the South Island after landslides blocked roads: |
| Railway lines were also crushed under slips north of Kaikoura: | Railway lines were also crushed under slips north of Kaikoura: |
| 2.59am GMT | 2.59am GMT |
| 02:59 | 02:59 |
| 'Up to 100,000 landslides' | 'Up to 100,000 landslides' |
| Geonet says it estimates that between 80,000 and 100,000 landslides have been triggered by the succession of quakes: | Geonet says it estimates that between 80,000 and 100,000 landslides have been triggered by the succession of quakes: |
| We are roughly estimating from yesterday’s reconnaissance flights that there may have been from 80,000 to 100,000 landslides. Much of the area affected by landslides is in the remote and rugged areas of the Inland and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges … | We are roughly estimating from yesterday’s reconnaissance flights that there may have been from 80,000 to 100,000 landslides. Much of the area affected by landslides is in the remote and rugged areas of the Inland and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges … |
| The reports of landslide dams points to a potential developing hazard. Landslide dams can last thousands of years, they can fail slowly or they can fail very quickly. When they fail very quickly they can release large volumes of water and sediment into river systems as a flood wave (flash flood). These floods can be hazardous to river users and we would ask people to stay away from the all rivers on the east coast of the South Island from the Hurunui to the Awatere until inspections have been completed and more precise information can be provided. | The reports of landslide dams points to a potential developing hazard. Landslide dams can last thousands of years, they can fail slowly or they can fail very quickly. When they fail very quickly they can release large volumes of water and sediment into river systems as a flood wave (flash flood). These floods can be hazardous to river users and we would ask people to stay away from the all rivers on the east coast of the South Island from the Hurunui to the Awatere until inspections have been completed and more precise information can be provided. |
| The landslides that have occurred as a result of the earthquake remain dangerous. Material can move at any time. Please exercise caution when in the vicinity of landslides and cracks in the ground on slopes. If it is raining the threat rises as the water can remobilise the debris as debris flows and debris floods (flash floods). Please avoid landslides in wet weather. | The landslides that have occurred as a result of the earthquake remain dangerous. Material can move at any time. Please exercise caution when in the vicinity of landslides and cracks in the ground on slopes. If it is raining the threat rises as the water can remobilise the debris as debris flows and debris floods (flash floods). Please avoid landslides in wet weather. |
| 2.37am GMT | 2.37am GMT |
| 02:37 | 02:37 |
| John Key statement | John Key statement |
| John Key, the New Zealand prime minister, has said the weather “certainly isn’t helping” relief efforts: | John Key, the New Zealand prime minister, has said the weather “certainly isn’t helping” relief efforts: |
| The weather here in Wellington is yet another complicating factor to the aftermath of the earthquakes that took place. | The weather here in Wellington is yet another complicating factor to the aftermath of the earthquakes that took place. |
| There are about 140 people that we’re looking to get out of Kaikoura as rapidly as we can; they’re on the priority list. | There are about 140 people that we’re looking to get out of Kaikoura as rapidly as we can; they’re on the priority list. |
| He says aerial support has been offered by the US and Malaysia, and there is now “plenty of capacity” for airlifting those trapped and delivering supplies, weather permitting. | He says aerial support has been offered by the US and Malaysia, and there is now “plenty of capacity” for airlifting those trapped and delivering supplies, weather permitting. |
| 2.22am GMT | 2.22am GMT |
| 02:22 | 02:22 |
| Geonet, the New Zealand earthquake monitor, has posted this update on what it thinks could happen next: | Geonet, the New Zealand earthquake monitor, has posted this update on what it thinks could happen next: |
| We can say one thing with certainty: there will be more earthquakes to come in this area … | We can say one thing with certainty: there will be more earthquakes to come in this area … |
| We’ve developed three scenarios based on what we know so far but be aware that our understanding is evolving as we do more analysis and receive more data. | We’ve developed three scenarios based on what we know so far but be aware that our understanding is evolving as we do more analysis and receive more data. |
| It sets out three possible scenarios for the coming month: | It sets out three possible scenarios for the coming month: |
| Scenario One: Extremely likely (>99% within the next 30 days) | Scenario One: Extremely likely (>99% within the next 30 days) |
| The most likely scenario is that aftershocks will continue to decrease in frequency (and in line with forecasts) over the next 30 days. Felt aftershocks (e.g. over M5) would occur from the M7.5 epicentre near Culverden, right up along the Kaikoura coastline to the Cape Palliser/Wellington area. This includes the potential for aftershocks of between 6.0 and 6.9 (91% within the next 30 days). Scenario one will continue to play out, even if either scenario two or three also occurs. | The most likely scenario is that aftershocks will continue to decrease in frequency (and in line with forecasts) over the next 30 days. Felt aftershocks (e.g. over M5) would occur from the M7.5 epicentre near Culverden, right up along the Kaikoura coastline to the Cape Palliser/Wellington area. This includes the potential for aftershocks of between 6.0 and 6.9 (91% within the next 30 days). Scenario one will continue to play out, even if either scenario two or three also occurs. |
| Scenario Two: Unlikely (15% within the next 30 days) | Scenario Two: Unlikely (15% within the next 30 days) |
| An earthquake smaller than Monday’s mainshock and between M7.0 to M7.5. There are numerous mapped faults in the Marlborough or Cook Strait areas capable of such an earthquake. It may also occur on an unmapped fault. This earthquake may be onshore or offshore but close enough to cause severe shaking on land. This scenario includes the possibility of an earthquake in the Hikurangi Subduction Zone. Such earthquakes have the potential to generate tsunami. | An earthquake smaller than Monday’s mainshock and between M7.0 to M7.5. There are numerous mapped faults in the Marlborough or Cook Strait areas capable of such an earthquake. It may also occur on an unmapped fault. This earthquake may be onshore or offshore but close enough to cause severe shaking on land. This scenario includes the possibility of an earthquake in the Hikurangi Subduction Zone. Such earthquakes have the potential to generate tsunami. |
| Scenario Three: Very unlikely (7% within the next 30 days) | Scenario Three: Very unlikely (7% within the next 30 days) |
| A much less likely scenario than the previous two scenarios is that recent earthquake activity will trigger an earthquake larger than Monday’s M7.5 main shock. This includes the possibility for an earthquake of greater than M8.0, which could be on the ‘plate interface’ (where the Pacific Plate meets the Australian Plate). Although it is still very unlikely, the chances of this occurring have increased since the M7.5 earthquake. | A much less likely scenario than the previous two scenarios is that recent earthquake activity will trigger an earthquake larger than Monday’s M7.5 main shock. This includes the possibility for an earthquake of greater than M8.0, which could be on the ‘plate interface’ (where the Pacific Plate meets the Australian Plate). Although it is still very unlikely, the chances of this occurring have increased since the M7.5 earthquake. |
| 2.07am GMT | 2.07am GMT |
| 02:07 | 02:07 |
| Two 'severe' earthquakes in north South Island | Two 'severe' earthquakes in north South Island |
| Geonet has rated the most recent aftershock near Seddon, in the north of the South Island, as “severe”, of 5.2 magnitude. | Geonet has rated the most recent aftershock near Seddon, in the north of the South Island, as “severe”, of 5.2 magnitude. |
| It was at 2.43pm local time – about 20 minutes ago – at a depth of 12km. | It was at 2.43pm local time – about 20 minutes ago – at a depth of 12km. |
| It was preceded 10 minutes earlier by another “severe” 5.8 magnitude quake in the same region, that one at a depth of just 4km. | It was preceded 10 minutes earlier by another “severe” 5.8 magnitude quake in the same region, that one at a depth of just 4km. |
| 1.52am GMT | 1.52am GMT |
| 01:52 | 01:52 |
| A series of strong aftershocks is currently affecting both islands. | A series of strong aftershocks is currently affecting both islands. |
| All rail services in Wellington – already disrupted due to the weather – have now been cancelled. | All rail services in Wellington – already disrupted due to the weather – have now been cancelled. |
| The strongest aftershocks – close to Kaikoura and Seddon in the South Island – were also felt in the parliament building in the capital: | The strongest aftershocks – close to Kaikoura and Seddon in the South Island – were also felt in the parliament building in the capital: |
| Well that was freaky sitting in Parliament with the finance minister talking about #eqnz when quite a large one hit, English keeps talking! | Well that was freaky sitting in Parliament with the finance minister talking about #eqnz when quite a large one hit, English keeps talking! |
| 1.42am GMT | 1.42am GMT |
| 01:42 | 01:42 |
| Strong aftershock near Kaikoura | Strong aftershock near Kaikoura |
| The quakes continue – New Zealand has already experienced over 1,000 of them since Sunday night. | The quakes continue – New Zealand has already experienced over 1,000 of them since Sunday night. |
| These are just within the last few minutes: | These are just within the last few minutes: |
| M5.8 quake causing strong shaking near Kaikoura https://t.co/QNbrwqi458 | M5.8 quake causing strong shaking near Kaikoura https://t.co/QNbrwqi458 |
| M5.6 quake causing strong shaking near Seddon https://t.co/2Pik7o4X8G | M5.6 quake causing strong shaking near Seddon https://t.co/2Pik7o4X8G |
| 1.26am GMT | 1.26am GMT |
| 01:26 | 01:26 |
| Some of those airlifted out of Kaikoura today have reached Christchurch. Four Air Force NH90 helicopters have been deployed to rescue tourists and those locals who want to leave the stranded town, which currently has no road access. | Some of those airlifted out of Kaikoura today have reached Christchurch. Four Air Force NH90 helicopters have been deployed to rescue tourists and those locals who want to leave the stranded town, which currently has no road access. |
| Civil defence officials earlier said 34 people had been airlifted out of the town on Tuesday morning. Hundreds remain. | Civil defence officials earlier said 34 people had been airlifted out of the town on Tuesday morning. Hundreds remain. |