Christchurch city on the day of the 2010 earthquake.

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

The 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck at about 4:35 am. Thankfully, the day was warm and still (unlike the cold driving rain and hail of yesterday afternoon).

Old Post Office Window with Watercolour Effect

Images, eqnz.chch.2010

The Old Lyttelton Post Office, opened in 1874, showing damage after a series of earthquakes hit Christchurch and Lyttelton over the last 9 months. In the shadow of a broken house, Down a deserted street, Propt walls, cold hearths, and phantom stairs, And the silence of dead feet — Locked wildly in one another's arms I saw two lovers meet. ...