I just got this email from a friend of mine who livs in New Zealand where the large earthquake

[napi21]

occured today.

I am ok just really shaken up and a bit of shock as well.
I have only had a few things brocken but down the road 12 kms they not so lucky.
they have no power or water and buildings have been flattened.
We still having some really strong aftershocks.
There are photos on the net but I not going out to take any as police saying stay home.
Pretty scary when you live alone with no family around

I realize there ave been many worse effects from earthquakes, but I read an earlier post on DU where smeone said why do some places get so much damage from a quake andothers get very little. My friend lives in Rangoria, but I have no idea how ar away from Christchurch that is.

[babylonsister]

1. Thank you. I have a friend in Christchurch, so I was

wondering, and still am.

This was big.

[napi21]

5. There's a online from AP I think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VigOXKWoDw


I also checked where Rangoria was in relation to Christchirch. It's 25km.

Here's a map. 25 km is not that far when you're talking about such a large quake. Just thought I'd let you know. Maybe the message from my fried will ease your mind a little.

http://maps.google.com/maps?rlz=1T4GGLL_enUS337US337&q=christchurch%20to%20rangoria%2C%20NZ&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl

[medeak]

2. thank you

We've been sick with worry today waiting for word from friends there

[PDJane]

3. I've been waiting for word as well.....

I'm hoping my friend's more rural beach house isn't in the water. I've seen no one on line, so I have to wait....

[Posteritatis]

4. It's about twenty miles north. (nt)

[Warpy]

6. I notice the depth has been changed

Early today it was 25 miles. Now the USGS has it fixed at a depth of 3.1 miles, potentially much more serious for people closer to the epicenter and quite a bit more serious for people in Christchurch.

The quake was 35 miles west of Christchurch. Rangoria is about 16 miles north.

Expect this story to get worse.

[Bobbieo]

7. Still no word from my former neighbors.

[Warpy]

8. Even Twitter has not been forthcoming

so power and cell phone service there must be completely messed up.

I hope the best for them.

[liberalmuse]

9. It's hard to get good internet in NZ as it is.

I'm surprised, but glad you were able to hear from your friend. I hope all is well with those affected.