Evacuated Christchurch family has house burgled and ransacked, truck stolen
A Christchurch family who evacuated after the massive quake returned home to find their house had been ransacked by burglars, who stole electronics, a truck, and equipment for their daughter's hearing aid.
Matt Mill, of New Brighton, said his family of four had left their home about 2am on Monday, after the tsunami risk was broadcast.
"We thought we'd do the right thing and pack the kids up, and the pets, and get out of here."
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link to www.stuff.co.nz]
Explained: The science behind the quake
Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.
GNS Science seismologist John Ristau said the quake, which struck at magnitude 7.5 severe earthquake has struck 15 km north-east of Culverden at 12.02am, was the result of what's called thrust faulting, a type of reverse faulting.
In reverse faulting, in a compressed area of the Earth's crust, one rocky block - called the "hanging-wall" block - is pushed up relative to rock - "the footwall block" - on the other side.
GeoNet had also received reports of odd light in the sky, but had been unable to investigate it.
For New Zealand, the prime earthquake threat remains the Alpine Fault, running along the spine of the South Island, and which is likely to cause a major quake within this generation's lifetime.
It last ruptured in 1717, or 297 years ago, and had a 28 per cent probability of rupturing in the next 50 years - a rate high by global standards.
According to GNS Science, this rupture would produce one of the biggest earthquakes since European settlement of New Zealand, and would have a "major impact" on the lives of many people.
[
link to www.nzherald.co.nz]
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