New Zealand Earthquake 2010 at Christchurch Adds Another Natural Disaster

New Zealand Earthquake 2010 at Christchurch is another natural disaster in a horrific year riddled with earthquakes, floods, and more. While the world was focused on the Pakistan Flooding which has impacted the lives of some 20 million people, a 7.4 earthquake shook the islands of New Zealand.

2010 didn't get off to a good start. In January a megaquake shook Haiti, leaving the area devastated. From the presidential palace to simple huts, many areas were flattened and many lives were lost.

The next month, it was Latin America that met mother nature's fury. The Chilean earthquake sent a Tsunami heading all the way over to the island of Hawaii. The aftershocks of the quake were strong, and millions of dollars of damages and thousands of lives were lost.

I could go on and on about each individual earthquake or natural disaster. Close to my home near Memphis, Tennessee we sustained severe flooding. Areas where I love to spend the weekend, such as the Opryland hotel and Oprymills Mall in Nashville were devastated.

And so I can empathize with those who have had to deal with natural tragedies this year, the latest of which includes thousands of New Zealanders.

Christchurch sustained a 7.4 magnitude quake, which ruptured the city's sewer lines and has caused lots of structural damage. The airport is even closed as a result of this earthquake.

Luckily there is no tsunami threat from this quake. So many times, particularly in the Pacific Rim, these things have a way of creating tidal waves and causing even more damage.

About 75 per cent of Christchurch is without power. Facades of buildings have fallen down, crushing cars. Some people fled their homes and decided not to go back in them to avoid the risk of unstable structures.

People are encouraged not to use cell phones, and to only go to the hospital in a true emergency. Aftershocks were felt swiftly after the quake, and one of them even registered at a 5.7 on the Richter scale.

If you are in New Zealand in the area of the quake, gas lines have been ruptured and some power lines are down. You are advised not to travel about, and to check on your neighbors.

This isn't the strongest quake felt in the country. IN 1855 an 8.2 quake shook the land and shifted vertically about 5,000 square feet of land.

Source:

Bloomberg.com