http://www.newstime.co.za/WorldNews/New_Zealand_quake_equivalent_to_the_one_that_rocked_Haiti/10514/
New Zealand quake equivalent to the one that rocked Haiti
Saturday, September 04, 2010
An earthquake, with a magnitude equivalent to the one that rocked Haiti, has hit New Zealand's South Island early Saturday.
The powerful 7.4-magnitude quake has not occasioned a tsunami alert and while there have been limited reports of injuries, substantial damage and looting has taken place in Christchurch.
See footage on the quake from CBS and Al Jazeera
A state of emergency has been declared in order to try and restore order and to coordinate recovery operations.
As darkness fell in New Zealand's second-largest city, a curfew was put in place for central Christchurch from 7pm tonight until 7am tomorrow. The curfew is mainly to protect people from falling debris, and anyone found in the CBD will be arrested.
Prime Minister John Key has completed a flyover of Christchurch and headed into a meeting with mayor Bob Parker and Civil Defence officials. He was accompanied by local MPs Gerry Brownlee and David Carter,
The quake, which hit 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the southern city of Christchurch, shook a wide area with some residents saying buildings had collapsed and power was severed.
Christchurch police reported road damage in parts of the city of 400,000 people, with a series of sharp aftershocks rocking the area. Police officers cordoned off some streets where rubble was strewn about.
"There is considerable damage in the central city and we've also had reports of looting, just shop windows broken and easy picking of displays," Police inspector Mike Coleman told New Zealand's National Radio.
According to this comprehensive report from Stuff.co.nz more than 80 police officers from Auckland are on their way to Christchurch this afternoon to help maintain order in the city centre tonight.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has also requested the army help provide safety and security in the city
