Fortunately, we live in the North of the North, away from the faults, although we are surrounded by dormant volcanoes.
One, just a few hundred years old.
The faults and thermal activity with active volcanoes run through Wellington in the South of the North Island, and the Central North Island.
The South Island fault is supposed to run through the West of centre, so it has been a bit of a surprise that Canterbury in the East has been hit.
Twice now within 6 months.
My partner was up the Cathedral tower last Sunday, sightseeing,
but fortunately returned, the same day;
There are currently bodies in there waiting to be recovered.
Unfortunately it hit in the middle of the day with offices full, and people about the sidewalks.
And another tragic sight, pancaked as it collapsed;
Our search and rescuers were still pulling out people alive after 26 hours, in the dark, under desks, and with multiple aftershocks.
Sadly a lot of people never made it, and from other collapsed buildings and falling debris in the streets.
This video shows the rescuers working inside the building, extracting a couple of survivors;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpQR6UP5FkY
Sean
