Christchurch, New Zealand, has once again been struck by a massive earthquake, today. Unlike the big one in September 2010, this one was shallower, and closer to the city centre, causing massive damage and fatalities, as it happened during the business lunch time.

Please send prayers and thoughts to all those in the area.

Could any members from the area please make a post as soon as they can to let us k now how you are.

Just woke up to this awful news My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

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Been watching the news about it. Grim it is. I echo what she says above me.

Incredible and horrible pictures of what is happening to us down south. The earthquake actually was violent enough to dislodge a piece of a glacier that caused 3 metre waves for a bout an hour in one of the local lakes.

But yeah, I'm all good - still need to hear from some friends down Chch. Any NZ isketchers please sign in.

I saw this image recently and I love the joy and emotion it displays, it's such a strong image. And it's spirit like this that our country needs to pull through this together.

My thoughts are prayers also go out to all those involved. Kia kaha.

My thoughts are with everyone in Christchurch and to the families of those who have lost dear loved ones. May you all be safe :)

Awesome image Missy :)

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Wow...some of those pictures we haven't even seen here, Snacky...thanks for the post.

One of the last photos...the one of the brother and sister who has just been told there was no hope for their mother...well, they had previously been shown on television as they were keeping vigil for their mother (before being told the bad news). Someone recognised them and knew where they lived, and went and looted and robbed their home. NOW is the time one might wish to use offensive language!!! I don't/can't/won't understand how someone could be so damn callous during their extreme situation. Heartless, gutless pieces of scum!

Unbelievable. Like a bomb has been dropped.

Is there anywhere to view a list of the deceased? My father in law has friends in Christchurch and is constantly getting an answerphone when calling them ... obviously he's worried.

Thoughts are with all those affected by the quake.

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"I done a lot of things I ain't proud of. And the things I am proud of, are disgusting." - Moe Syzlak

Hi Deadlock...at this stage, the actual names have not been released, apart from 4 people, two of which were babies. It is expected that today a list will be available on the NZ Police website, but only those who have gone through the complete identification process will be listed.

http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/27255.html

That link is where the list will be posted...and grow over the coming days.

Many many people, Deadlock, have not been in their homes - they've been in public shelters with hundreds of others. Perhaps your FIL's friends are among those...or may have even left the city. Thousands have already fled and are effectively refugees in other cities.

Missy...yes, that is an incredible photo, isn't it?

Yes, it's a hug job, and they're still having aftershocks, so until those stop, rebuilding can't start. Demolishing buildings and cleaning up is a slow process, it seems, especially as some buildings are so unsafe that business owners cannot even retrieve vital records. Approximately 60% of the inner city has been destroyed or damaged to the point of needing demolishing. Those that stand, many will need restrengthening. The city is in chaos, the people are fighters. Thousands fled after the second big earthquake, many saying they will return. It will depend on whether homes are stable or not - thousands have to be destroyed as they are unsafe to live in. Time will tell. It may take up to 10 years to get the city rebuilt and thousands of people have no home to live in. Many are being displaced to other cities and towns. Christchurch will indeed never be the same again.

I know this was a terrible disaster, and very hard to imagine for those unaffected, but how come no-one has mentioned the hideous disaster that has afflicted Japan? It will take many generations to rebuild the devastation there. It's heart-breaking.

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Absolutely incredible...the Japan disaster is so incredulous and my heart goes out to them. Now Burma, yes...it seems never ending. Mother Earth is indeed peeved!

It's crazy recently, the news has been jam packed full of Japan's devastation as well as events in Northern Africa. My thoughts go to everyone affected by the awful events in Japan.

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Incredulous, that's a word to sum it up. Thank you Souly.

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Hey that's a wicked gram! Thanks heaps Snacky

Quite interesting. Move to Africa if you don't want the earth to move. Eastern US looks okay too. I have felt an earthquake in the UK. Only a minor tremor. Very, very minor tremor in recent terms.

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Unfortunately there have been more large quakes in Christchurch today...a 5.5 and a 6.0. Thankfully no deaths, but there are injuries, more damaged and absolute fear in the minds and hearts of all Cantabrians.

My heart goes out to them all.

Another large quake yesterday. Many people have to walk some kms in the morning just to have showers at public facilities. Many are still without sewage and water.

My heart goes out to them all in Christchurch.

GUys: Look up liquefaction Christchurch on youtube. Heartbreaking but fascinating.