cc_rider wrote: 
I don't believe you have to be concerned about him regarding this earthquake, since I am pretty sure he is living in the US now.

 cc_rider wrote: 
Yes.

 JustineFromWyoming wrote: 
Speaking of which, anybody heard from Cookie? He posted on FB the other day, that's about it.

A bit relieved to see a wall post from a college colleague at the radio station. He has been without power or water, but texted another friend that posted to his Facebook page that he and family are okay.

Yeah, I have a friend living in NZ I haven't heard from him in a while.

Best of wishes for all the folks down under. Parts of Australia has had it's share of misfortunes too.

Our condolences to everyone affected by the earthquake. Christchurch is a lovely city, filled with lovely people, and our hearts go out to you all. 

 Rod wrote: 
what he said

 NoEnzLefttoSplit wrote: 

Keeping all New Zealanders in my thoughts. We Californians know earthquakes.

Just chatted wtih my cousin. She's waiting to be called up to relieve the fire fighters in town who've worked through the night. All focus now on removing the rubble brick for brick to get to remaining survivors. They revised the official death toll downwards overnight to only reflect people who have been identified by next of kin, so expect it to rise again during the day.

They must be so heartily sick of the earth moving. this has been going on since the big quake in September. At least that practice is paying off now as the emergency operation looks pretty slick. I know the people are a pretty staunch bunch and will fight back, but this continual damage and daily shaking would wear anyone down.

Here's just the last 60 days seismicity which doesn't even include the huge number of aftershocks immediately following the M7.1 Darfield quake in September.

There are already a bunch of videos on Youtube.

looks like a number of fatalities 

Strong Earthquake Hits New Zealand

6.3, near Christchurch
 
From CNN ....