Anyone in christchurch can you tell me your experience on the earthquake?

Im sitting here in my comfy loungeroom in Australia watching what is happening to our neighbors over the ditch with tears pouring down my face. My heart goes out to the people of Christchurch....what a terrible tragedy...

Although I'm not from the area it occurred I am in New Zealand and have a close friend and also a contact in that city. I, like you, are concerned for everyone there. I can't speak for everybody but your best wishes are appreciated for sure

I too~ want to say ~ we are thinking of you in your time of need I send you all well wishes to everyone involved. always, Ladyitch p.s. U.S.A. - Kansas

Right now we are all on edge, wondering what the next aftershock will do. As for me, I was fortunate enough to be in a safe-ish part of my workplace and wasn't far away from a fire exit. Spent most of the day outside making sure people didn't go inside (I work in a mall). After so many hours, I was allowed to go home. Thankfully I live just down the road, because the bus system has been drawn to a halt. It was a mess where I live. CD's, DVD's, etc, all over the floor as my shelves came down. Haven't checked their condition yet, but the largest shelf had to be disposed of. I had no power for several hours. Still unsure about using water though, so I'm being careful. Not sure yet what I'll do if I need to use the toilet. Heard back from some loved ones, but am still trying to reach a few others. I can only hope and pray they (among others) are safe. I love my city. I've been here almost 30 years now. But I'm sad to say, that I'm having some second thoughts about being here now.

I am a Kiwi (from Christchurch) currently living in Indonesia. I am so concerned for the safety of my family and friends in Christchurch. I am unable to get in touch with many of them. I was present for the September earthquake and that in itself was terrifying. I would do anything to be home to offer my help and support for my people. My heart and prayers go out to you all. Stay strong and we can pull through this together.

I'm from Wellington, I didn't feel it but I've got family and friends there. As far as I know, they're all safe, but shaken. It's still quite shocking and I think it's going to take days, weeks, even months for people to get their head around what's happened. I feel so far removed sitting at home watching the news (5pm-11pm) and I don't really know what can be done to help (other than donating money, at this stage I can't really afford to do and most people have insurance). My friend's house is completely unlivable, my auntie and uncle have no power or water and some friends have minor damage but no power. Thinking of all of you though!. ...

We're all thinking of them

I live in Ashburton, just south of Christchurch. We felt the earthquake as we always do. I had just finished lunch and was standing by the bike stand. All the bikes in the stand rocked side to side, and every car in the carpark rocked. The shaking was a side to side movement, and not like the usual shakes we experience. The shaking lasted for a very long time. For the remainder of the day there were several sharp shocks.