The average earthquake has a magnitude 5.0 but just after midnight in Kaikoura a much more sinister geological event occurred. The coastal settlement of Kaikoura was left devastated after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. State Highway One was blocked in several places by massive slips cutting the town's only lifeline, cows and livestock were left stranded on lone peaks of solid ground (Pictured Below) and there was even a miniature tsunami which knocked an iconic New Zealand holiday home of its stilts.
Did you know that the earthquake was so powerful it was even felt in some parts of Auckland. Imagine if the epicentre of the earthquake had been in Auckland, because of the denser population there would be much more injuries and possibly a higher death toll.
Because of the earthquake Kaikoura’s seafood industry could die out since the earthquake raised rocks out of the water by nearly two metres exposing paua and fish alike. John Key who called this utter devastation also said that it could cause major losses for New Zealand's fishing infrastructure.
Thankfully help has arrived from the HMNZS Canterbury and a few US navy ships and helicopters. Kaikoura is slowly on the mend and the country is starting to recover.
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