One Dead After New Zealand Earthquakes

One person has died as a result of the earthquakes which hit the New Zealand city of Christchurch on Monday.

Four months after the devastating quake of February 22, the Canterbury District Health Board has confirmed the death of an elderly nursing resident. The fatality follows the most powerful tremor of yesterday’s quakes, measured at magnitude 6.0.

A total of five tremors left thousands of homes without power, as well as causing minor injuries to over 40 people. Water supplies have also been compromised and residents are being advised to boil their water.

Residents have reported that the effects of two earthquakess have seriously dampened morale. Colin Young told Radio New Zealand: “The psychological toll is beginning to tell on people. They really have had enough.”

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has released a statement highlighting the devastation caused by the quakes.

“It’s another blow to the Christchurch residents, who have already endured so much,” he said.

Buildings that were rebuilt after the February quake have been brought down again. Nonetheless, Mr Keys has pledged his commitment to the rebuilding of the city. It has been estimated that the country will spend up to NZ$15bm to repair the damages

Geological and nuclear science seismologist, Matt Gertenberger, explains that the possibility of larger events cannot be ruled out. He added: “There will certainly be shorter shocks coming.” However, despite the possibility of future quakes, Mr Key has promised to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Christchurch as they rebuild the city and its morale.

By Catherine Rees

[Image courtesy of annzstream]