By Elizabeth Puranam
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has called it a “rotten day” for the city’s people.
Two big earthquakes struck the region this afternoon, causing buildings to collapse and liquefaction across the city.
Fortunately, no lives have been lost.
It is the third time in just nine months Christchurch has been made to feel like a city under siege, and is again faced with a big cleanup.
It is cold in the city tonight and thousands are spending it without power and with shattered nerves.
The MetService is predicting a potential drop in temperatures to -1 degC.
A temporary welfare centre has been set up for people who have been displaced, at Cowles Stadium in Aranui.
The first quake, measuring magnitude 5.5, hit just after 1pm – 11km deep and centred 10km south-east of the city off the Sumner Coast.
Just over an hour later came the biggest quake – a magnitude 6, located 9km deep.
“They told us statistically that we needed to be prepared for something like this, but they didn’t tell us it would come as soon as this and so it’s been a hellish day in Christchurch,” says Mr Parker.
The aftershocks destroyed a building on Stanmore Road in Linwood, as tearful residents stood by and watched.
At least 46 people have been taken to hospital, most of them with minor injuries.
Around the city, people gathered on the streets.
“It’s just really tiring, I think that’s what it is,” one resident told 3 News. “It’s just really exhausting. You sit here in town and wonder if the house is still standing.”
There is more damage inside the CBD. Roads across the city are blocked, with liquefaction causing silt to bubble up again.
Almost 60,000 homes are tonight without power.
But, despite today’s setback, Prime Minister John Key says the Government remains committed to the Christchurch rebuild.
“They’ve got to know that we stand beside them,” he says.
“We are totally committed to rebuilding. It will settle down but it’s a frustrating time for the people of Christchurch.”
The extent of today’s damage won’t be known until tomorrow morning.
All early childcare centres and schools have been closed until further notice.
3 News