Nicole MacDonald Author

Author Nicole MacDonald's website

This is bad, really bad

by 20 Comments

If you haven’t yet heard of the earthquake that hit Christchurch today let me enlighten you.  At around 12.50pm today (Tuesday) Christchurch was slammed with a 6.3 magnitude earthquake a mere 5km deep.  One seriously violent quake. 
Technically speaking this was an aftershock from the September earthquake but the shallowness of it meant it was far more violent.  People are dead, no doubt about it.  Here in Wellington we felt a mild sway – it’s just crazy.
It seems so unreal to have happened again and have happened worse.  Ten staff members from our Christchurch office were still stuck in their building when I left work (5pm) due to the staircase collapsing.  Everyone in the office was somber faced and racing for a phone.  Too many people are still unaccounted for and it’s just awful.  Apparently the Army will be sent in to help but it’s going to take so much more than that.  We hadn’t even got over the devastation of the last one. 
I guess they do say things come in three.  Hell I hope so.  After the first earthquake then the mine collapsing this was just unthinkable. 
My heart goes out to all those affected by it and I hope we’ll soon know how we can help.  It’s just trying to know what to do first?  Send food parcels?  Water?  Or offer to billet people if they need it.. so many will need it!  It’s awful been stuck here watching all the images on TV and not being able to do anything.
Please send all your thoughts and prayers to Christchurch, they need every single one.

UPDATE: 65 deaths confirmed so far.


UPDATE: All our staff members were successfully rescued from the Forsyth Barr House and are okay.
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Comments

  1. i'm watching from Brisbane Nicole,
    My uncle lives in Christchurch and he said it is a real mess. He is ok, and helping the civil defence. Don't know who else was there. I know there were a few people i knew at the uni last year but i think they all left by now.

    terrible stuff. nothing much we can do from here either except offer help as we can.

    hope the people in your office make it out ok. Where were they?? which building?? it's on repeat coverage here, so i am watching your news station. Havn't got much writing done.

    thoughts with all.

    Reply

  3. When I saw the news this morning, my first thoughts were for the people in Christchurch and the surrounding area. I'm glad you are okay and my prayers are going out to all those have lost friends and family, and those still waiting for news of their loved ondes.

    Reply

  15. When I saw this news this morning, I thought of you and your family. Are you OK. Is your family safe?
    My prayers are with all the people in New Zealand.
    xxoo
    Deborah

    Reply

  17. That is GREAT about your staff members. I just watched it on the news again and it looks so bad. On a much lighter note:
    I just want to tell you that I'm almost done with your book and I love it. I should be finished the next day or two. It is awesome.
    Just thought you may want some good news.
    xxoo
    Deborah

    Reply

  19. I'm glad you are safe Nicole and that our staff members are all safe now. I will keep NZ in my prayers. I'd have an emergency bag packed just incase of after shocks if I were you.

    Be safe, friend….

    Reply

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