Amazingly there are no fatalities in New Zealand. There is a small plane crash. The infrastructure to the country may be damaged.

There is a lot of damage.  Railroads are disabled.  This is from the "New Zealand Herald."

..."This was very similar to the earthquake (click here) that struck Haiti," said Paul Caruso, a geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo. "The main difference is that New Zealand has a lot of experience with earthquakes, and they have good construction codes to make sure that their buildings withstand a strong earthquake."... 





This happened on the South Island.  What are they thinking there?  Tourist schedules are more important than prudent safety measures.

Thrill seekers.  Well, it is no thrill now, is it?

New Zealand plane crash kills nine  (click title to entry - thank you)

British man among victims after aircraft crashes on takeoff from Fox Glacier airport in South Island

...The aircraft, carrying a party of skydivers and tourists, crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Fox Glacier airport on the west coast of the South Island, police said today.
A police spokesman said five New Zealanders were killed, including the pilot, and individuals from Australia, Ireland, Germany and the UK.
"The embassies of each overseas victim have been informed and relatives are in the process of being advised," he said....