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Christchurch Suffers 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake; Air New Zealand Pledges help

February 22, 2011 at 8:37 AM | by | Comments (0)

Yesterday in New Zealand—or what is today to most of the world—a 6.3-strength earthquake right right underneath the city of Christchurch, causing much destruction and at least 65 deaths. Both the city's Anglican and Catholic cathedrals were partially destroyed in addition to many other downtown buildings and Christchurch's airport terminal has suffered damage. Currently the airport is open only to emergency aid flights, after over 1,000 travelers and airport staff were evacuated following the quake.

In regards to tourism, Christchurch was enjoying the high point of the summer season, but this earthquake combined with the 7.1 jolt that shook nearby the city back in September are making more than just the tourists nervous. You know we love us some New Zealand Travel, but the country does unfortunately sit right on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

According to the Telegraph UK, as many as 100 specific faults have been identified around New Zealand, "some as close to 12 miles from central Christchurch, with modelling by the New Zealand Earthquake Commission indicating that a major seismic event could hit Christchurch once every 55 years." We'd recommend not reading Bill Bryson's book "A Short History of Nearly Everything," particularly the chapters on plate tectonics, before your next trip to NZ.

That said, Air New Zealand is lowering fares to help those who wish to get into or out of Christchurch from other parts of NZ:

9.59pm
Air New Zealand has reduced domestic airfares in and out of Christchurch to $50 for those who book before Friday. The discounted tickets will be available to anyone in New Zealand through the carrier's website and call centre. A return Auckland-Christchurch flight will also be available for $50 tomorrow, a statement says.

Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe, who is in Christchurch, says Air New Zealand will regularly review capacity and compassionate fare requirements over the coming days. He has offered the full resources of the airline to Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Prime Minister John Key.

--Live Updates from the NZ Herald.

Our thoughts are with all of those in Christchurch today as they recover from the earthquake and continue to work to uncover those buried under rubble.

[Photo: TwitPic/@polarbearfarm]

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