An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale shook the city for the second time in 5 months. This time the damage was more extensive.  This recent  earth tremor has left New Zealanders shocked as they were just getting back on their feet from the previous one.  The main focus at the moment is the preservation of life.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those who lost loved ones. As a friend put it to me, “in such a small country there will be very few people not affected by it one way or another”.

As for the remainder of the country, all New Zealand airports, including Christchurch, are open and operating, and Tourism New Zealand stressed that the rest of the country is up and running. The organization did advise travelers to check with their airline regarding possible delays.