?

[cupid04]

Is it true there has been an earthquake in New zealand?

[tiggerblue10]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/...asia-pacific-12540345

[dr b]

major damage to Christchurch, at least 65 dead

[VHG]

I cant believe this is a genuine question.

It is SO easy to find news items on the internet.

Just going into Google and selecting the "News" tab at the top for example.

[milly143]

I wondered if this was a sarcastic question maybe. When you look at the BBC homepage this is the second headline so it would have been quicker to find it on any news site then ask on here.

[DTCwordfan]

agree VHG - it does seem to be pretty tragic though and just goes to show the power of these close-to-the-surface earthquakes. In this, it is similar to the one in Haiti last year. I understand it was only 3 miles down and though 'only' a 6.3 whereas the previous one was 7.1

It is not the worse geologically in NZ's history - that dubious award went to the earthquake that hit Wellington in 1855, an 8.2...that lifted the cliff that runs parallel to today's port some 12 feet and is now the area where the CBD is - back then the harbour turned into a swamp. Deaths were pretty sparse back then but the city is still very much exposed to future quakes.

I have been to both cities a few times and it is really tragic to see. Christchurch is such a nice, pleasant, manageable city with loads of things to do and some good restaurants, and the locals are very friendly.....

[cupid04]

To vhg and milly, I in no terms intended to be sarcastic, lazy perhaps I should have
looked it up myself. I would not make light of such a terrible disaster.

[GrumpyPom]

I have lived in NZ for the last 7 years and have felt many earthquakes in that time.
We are thankfully well away from the current tragic events unfolding in Chch.
Our hearts go out to all those affected at the terrible time.

There but for the grace of God...............

[anotheoldgit]

Yes all very tragic, but according to a map on last night's TV news, earthquakes are not uncommon in New Zealand.

Today's news says that a British rescue convoy has left for New Zealand, why?

Surely with News Zealand's earthquake record they must have enough rescue resources of their own, if not the large resources of Australia are much closer surely?

[Oneeyedvic]

AOG - because countries like to help each other - same as people like to help each other.

Unless you're a miserable old sod who likes to stay home and whinge

[anotheoldgit]

Oneeyedvic

No need to get aggressive, it was a perfectly reasonable observation to make.

If you were in a spot of difficulty, would there be need for a friend of yours to travel half way round the world to help you out, when you had sufficient support from friends and relatives living in very close proximity to you?

So please make your point, without the need to be so obnoxious, if that is possible.

[Oneeyedvic]

If a friend from half way around the world could help me in a time of crisis then I would welcome him with open arms.

I am sorry that you seem to criticise the help that our country gives to others in a tragic disaster.

[anotheoldgit]

/// If a friend from half way around the world could help me in a time of crisis then I would welcome him with open arms.///

Yes but you are careful to leave out the fact that your friend was not the only help available to you.

Surely you would be showing extreme selfishness if you expected that friend to travel all those miles, when you had already plenty of offers of help, much closer to home?

/// I am sorry that you seem to criticise the help that our country gives to others in a tragic disaster.///

I am not criticising the help our country is giving, only the need for it.

[jackthehat]

New Zealand suffers a devastating earthquake..........and *anyone* feels the need to criticise something ?

Seems like the 'milk of human kindness' has gone off in some areas of the UK...

[Zeuhl]

New Zealand only has a population of 4 million. It is a small nation with a small economy and small resources.

Australia is relatively bigger with about 20 million people but neither have as much experience as us and what expertise they do have is pretty stretched at the moment.

Considering our very close ties with NZ (who on AB doesn't know a Kiwi or have relatives/friends living there?) then it seems very natural for our people to go help and acquire valuable experience at the same time.
.

[GrumpyPom]

AOG i find your comments sad to say the least. NZ has about 14000 (14 thousand) earthquakes a year many are minor and not even felt some are jolts that shake your house without causing damage but are frightening none the less. Hundreds of people are trapped in this latest major major earthquake and it is likely hundreds will lose their lives. As already mentioned NZ has limited resources so any overseas help is welcomed with open arms. Thankfully the vast majority of people around the world do not share your sad selfish sentiments.

[mightywease]

Indeed grumpypom I find it very sad that some people do not want to help others in need. If we treat people with that kind of attitude how can we ever hope for help or succor in return when we may need it.

It's a selfish and short-sighted attitude.

[anotheoldgit]

Some of you lot, just love to twist my words to fit in with the way your own minds work.

You know perfectly well where I was coming from, but you would rather twist it to try and belittle me.

If you think Britain should send out aid, then why not every country in the world, eh! they are lacking in their duty not to.

So why don't we start to criticise them, for not sending out humanitarian aid, some countries eh? Selfish sods?

[jno]

why on earth are you trying to make political points about a continuing human tragedy, aog? I am in New Zealand. The scale of the disaster is huge. If, say, 300 lives are lost in Christchurch (and it could well be more), the equivalent in the UK would be a death toll of about 6000 in Birmingham - vastly more than the toll on 7/7, for instance. NZ's comparatively small population means the resources of their rescue organisations are not great. They certainly welcome all the help they can get.

[soaps]

Theres no need to be rude to Cupid04, it's a genuine news Q.
I now know why not many people venture into to the news section, Pretty condensing bunch, ain't yez ?