🇳🇿 M7.5 Earthquake felt across New Zealand, Tsunami threat eases as first light begins revealing damage

New Zealand: A massive earthquake hit NZ overnight, being felt through both the North and South Islands. Here is what we know:

Magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck just after midnight Monday, November 14 2016, 12:02:56 am NZDT
Kaihoura, in the South Island, appears to be one of the worst hit areas
Tsunami Warnings were issued for the entire East Coast (now downgraded), sending thousands heading to the high ground
People warned to stay away from beaches and low lying coastal areas
NZ Prime Minister John Key addressed the nation, saying at least two thought to have perished
National Crisis Centre established, NZ Fire Service assisting with 2 NZFS command units to coordinate assmt teams as needed
7 person NZFS Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) squad dispatched from Chch to Kaikoura by helicopter. Assessment teams to Waiau and Blenheim
NZ Red Cross sending Disaster Welfare & Support teams to worst affected areas
Mobile and fixed line phone services down in some areas
National Police and Emergency Services call number 111 was disabled for a short time
Rail and Ferry services in the Capital Wellington have been cancelled, many schools closed
Strong winds and storms today may increase risk, authorities warning people to avoid Wellington as the wind may dislodge glass
NZ Stuff reports Wellington’s Interislander Ferry passenger bridge has been swept away. It was damaged in the quake.

Emergency-Life.com