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

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.
It is awful. My thoughts go out to all involved.
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.
I heard it on the news this morning. My thoughts are with all who are affected.
Awful awful news!! Please take care. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. xx
This is really bad, I agree. It's so sad that earthquakes are causing so much damage everywhere. My heart goes out to them.
Thankful you are okay. My heart goes out to everyone there. Sending positive thoughts and prayers. May the worse be over.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Apparently I've been holed up writing too much this weekend because I just heard about it this morning. My heart and prayers to everyone affected.
My prayers are with everyone there! 🙁
You were actually the first thing that popped into my head this morning as I read the news. So glad you and yours are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in NZ.
I heard about this on the radio this morning. It just breaks my heart. My thought and prayers are with these people
God Bless
This is awful. Your side of the world (I'm in England) has suffered so much lately: floods, fire…
My thoughts are with you.
Wow. I haven't heard about this. Thanks for sharing, I'll send my prayers and thoughts to everyone!
How awful! We've been watching steadily on the news. Please stay safe. Thank you for keeping us updated.
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
My thoughts are with those in Christchurch and everyone else involved–it's so sad.
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
Thanks for all your kinds thoughts, if you've got a dollar to spare please consider hitting the donate button at the top of the page. Every dollar counts! Many thanks to everyone
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….
That is so awful – thoughts and prayers to all involved:(