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AT LEAST 65 PEOPLE have died in a 6.3 magnitude earthquake which struck Christchurch, New Zealand, at lunchtime local time today, but that toll could double as emergency crews work to rescue people trapped in the rubble.
A state of emergency has been called and up to 200 people are believed to still be trapped.
Speaking in Christchurch, Prime Minister John Keys said the earthquake was “an absolute tragedy for this city, for New Zealand, for the people we care so much about”, and warned that it could become known as “New Zealand’s darkest day”, the New Zealand Herald reports.
Keys described the situation on the ground as a “scene of utter devastation”.
Police are urging people to stay out of central Christchurch and for local residents check on their neighbours. They also advised people to conserve water.
About 400,000 people live in New Zealand’s second city, Christchurch. Google has launched a person finder application to help people register or locate missing persons and a list is being compiled online.
Irish citizens
In Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs is in contact with New Zealand officials to establish if any Irish people have been caught up in the earthquake, RTÉ reports. People concerned about friends or relatives in the area can call the DFA on 01 478 0822 or register their information online.
It is not known if any Irish citizens have been injured.
Damage and intensity
The BBC reports that although September’s earthquake caused relatively little damage and no fatalities, last night’s is likely to be recorded as one of the country’s most catastrophic natural disasters. The earthquake’s shallow depth meant that the ground broke directly under the city, causing buildings to shake intensely.
The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck just before lunchtime, local time.
Police have cordoned off streets, buildings and damaged vehicles in the city centre and Australia has sent a 40-man search and rescue team to help the emergency efforts, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
This OneNews report shows people evacuating from severely-damaged buildings: (Warning: contains images some may find disturbing)
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Eir have nothing but total and utter contempt for their customers, it’s the equivalent of climbing Mt Everest to get in contact with them!
@Brian Hunt: swapped to Three years ago and never looked back. Eir is a French company these days with horrific customer service. Worst company in the world to deal with bar none.
@Brian Hunt: At least you’ll get a good signal up there when you’ve reached the top. But,be prepared for a frosty reception if you do get through.
@John Doe Trump: I went in the opposite direction, couldn’t get signal for Three in my house
My 4g vanished for around 10 minutes earlier. I’ve been with gomo since just after they started, and this is only the second outage i can recall. Not bad for €9.99.
@honey badger: gomo is eir mate.
Just like Finkle was Einhorn
@Argus Romsworth: I know that. It’s also mentioned in the article…
@Argus Romsworth: laces out
Their technicians have to get up on the roof and adjust the wire coat hanger antenna.
I am with Eir years. Never any major issue. Find the data top notch. Only downside is trying to call them. It’d be easier get through to Trump
@Maniac 2000: You’ll get through to Trump on the mega phone. Make Eir Great Again
@Maniac 2000: well you obviously completely ignore the widely publicised contempt that they have for their customers ??
I….nt……er……n…..et …..
Three network has the same issues last week my data n credit was gone I only got my credit back yesterday after a week
Don’t go with Eir and you will not have this problem. They are an absolute unethical disgrace
Everything is routed through the Internet these days. Imagine some ship cuts more than one undersea cable, most of communication will be dead. Better prepare in advance and get some free to use radio equipment (CB, PMR) + mobile antennas for the car or balcony.
It was going slow yesterday too
have your say