Coventry expats tell of New Zealand earthquake terror

[dutchman]

Coventry expats in New Zealand have described the devastation caused by the earthquake which left 65 people dead and thousands homeless.



The 6.3 magnitude quake hit Christchurch, on the south island, at 12.51pm yesterday (11.51pm Monday GMT). Hundreds of people were trapped and utility supplies have been cut off.

It comes just a few months after a more powerful earthquake hit the area - although nobody was killed in the quake which hit in September last year.

Paul Goddard emigrated to New Zealand from Longford with his family in 2003. They now live in Hamilton, on the north island, and Paul works for a company that helps people emigrate to the country.

He said: “We live with earthquakes here but when something like this happens and lives are lost it is hard to deal with.

“The quake couldn’t have hit at a worse time with people being at work and the rescue effort will go on for a few days as there are still people trapped.

“It’s too early to think about the long term effects as it will take a long time to rebuild but Christchurch is a city that has been very popular with people moving from the UK.

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