Building owners survey the damage at the corner of
Manchester and Worcester Street, central Christchurch.
Credit:NZPA / David Alexander.
It is a blessing no one died in the massive earthquake
which rocked Canterbury this morning, Civil Defence Minister
John Carter said after crisis meetings in the Beehive.
"I think we've been extremely lucky as a nation," Mr Carter
told NZPA after top public servants, ministers and
specialists met in the wake of the magnitude 7.1 quake, which
hit across Canterbury about 4.30am, with several severe
aftershocks.
Buildings crumbled throughout Christchurch and in rural
Canterbury, crushing cars and closing roads, yet only one
serious injury was reported, a man in his 50s who is in
intensive care in Christchurch Hospital. A second man
suffered serious cuts, and many had cuts, scratches and
broken limbs.
A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch and
the Selwyn district, giving Civil Defence personnel more
powers.
Ninety percent of power was expected to be restored by this
evening, but water and sewerage systems would take longer to
get back in order.
Christchurch Airport was closed, and trains were not running.
"I think we've been extremely lucky as a nation that there's
been no fatalities...we're blessed, actually," Mr Carter
said.
Mr Carter said the damage to infrastructure was so
significant that it was difficult to assess. However, early
estimates put it at $2 billion.
Earthquake Commission and insurance specialists were flying
to Christchurch to survey the damage and would report back in
48 hours.
Prime Minister John Key was flying to Christchurch and was
expected to arrive about 3pm. His air force flight was
stopping in Wellington to pick up Mr Carter and Energy
Minister Gerry Brownlee for the flight south.
They will meet Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and survey the
damage.
Mr Key said the Government would help out where it could.
"We are not going to let Christchurch suffer this great
tragedy on its own," he told TV One.
Mr Carter was working out of the National Crisis Management
Centre in the Beehive this morning, but said he felt it
important he and the prime minister be in Christchurch "just
to give people support and the confidence that we are there
for them".
He admitted the massive quake came at a difficult economic
time for the Government, but assured those worst affected
that help would be provided by the Government as and where
required.
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