Butlersbridge woman escapes NZ earthquake

A Cavan woman and her family had a narrow escape from the devastating earthquake that hit the second biggest city in New Zealand, during the early hours of Saturday morning last. Christchurch and large surrounding areas of rural towns and farms on the South Island were struck by the magnitude 7.4 quake bringing down power lines, ripping up roads, smashing water and sewage pipes and wreaking building facades. Lorraine Warner (nee Foynes) originally from Butlersbridge moved to Christchurch in February 2005 with her husband Bob and children Aaron (14), Sarah (12), Hannah (9) and Laura (8). Speaking to The Anglo-Celt on Monday Lorraine and Bob described what happened. "We were woken at 4.35am by a loud rumbling noise akin to an earth mover or bulldozer approaching the house. This turned into a quite violent shaking giving the sense the house was being moved and lifted then shaken back and forth." The ceiling and roof could be heard creaking and groaning loudly with the strain. The noise of picture and possessions falling and smashing added to the rumbling din. Then suddenly the house went dark as the power was lost, they said. They struggled to get out of the bed as the shaking was so violent and were totally disorientated. "At first being woken from sleep it was difficult to comprehend what was going on. When we realised it was an earthquake, our concerns then turned to the kids and wanting them to be close to ensure they were safe and being able to re-assure them." As the initial shock subsided, the Warners managed to find their feet and started calling out to the kids to tell them to get in the doorways. "Fortunately the kids had done earthquake drills numerous times at school and Sarah took charge encouraging the girls to get under their beds." The whole family huddled together in the two bedroom doorways, comforting each other and riding out the numerous aftershocks that were coming in rolling waves and though less intense were nevertheless quite concerning. Regarding their own home, structurally it held together but the rendered masonry chimney had a crack in it and could possibly be a casualty of a big aftershock. "The hot water cylinder in the roof space popped its top where the vent is and will need to be replaced." The double garage was a bit 'munted' electric roller doors and the tracks were twisted and don't open fully. Large cracks have appeared and evidence of movement and separation. "We enter sparingly just in case until we can get it properly assessed for damage and structural integrity," said Bob. The initial shock was measured at 7.4 on the Richter scale followed by a 7.1 and 5.3 aftershock. "In our suburb, Mairehau, damage is limited to falling masonry chimneys and garden walls above 1.5m generally." In the centre of town the damage is much more extensive especially to historic stone buildings. The general hospital is up and running but the university is closed for two weeks for damage assessments. All public buildings are closed for seven days to permit damage assessments. Over the past few days since the initial shock there has been numerous aftershocks at least 20 have been of a magnitude 4.5 or more. Seismologists are advising through the media that these may continue for some weeks. Assistance is being drafted in from the Auckland and Wellington centres. "People are concerned given the situation, but there is a great community spirit and essential services are getting on with the cleaning up and sorting out. About 250 people have been made homeless and using make shift shelters at three of the larger schools in town," said Lorraine. Damage to the central city and south east suburbs have been the worst hit, also outer coastal areas such as Kaiapoi. Official estimates have been put at in excess of $2 Billion NZD damages to infrastructure, business, loss of earnings as well as the residential repairs. Of the 500 or so buildings damaged in the centre of town alone at least 90 have had to be pulled down straight away due to the danger they pose. NZ army drafted in to assist the police in maintaining order and manpower. A curfew has been imposed from 7pm to 7am central city (to stop looting). All insurance claims and management are being channelled through the Earthquake Commission (EQC). In the coming days more buildings already weakened by the initial shock may be further damaged due to the magnitude of the continuing aftershocks. "Certainly it was a scary event, but very glad we've come through it OK thus far," the Warners added. Aftershocks continue to roll in and they had two good ones on Tuesday night at 3am and 3.35am, which woke them and sent them for cover again. "The kids are being brave and coping with the insecurity. There has been no loss of lives but quite a few left homeless."