UPDATE 1.15PM: Aftershocks are rattling Christchurch following this morning's devastating quake, which has left the city looking like a war zone - and GLBT residents picking up the pieces.
The 7.1 magnitude quake rocked Christchurch at 4.35am this morning. There has been no loss of life, but there has been major structural damage. It's the most significant since the 1931 magnitude 7.8 Hawke's Bay earthquake.
Alex Baguley and Joe Wilson of The Box cruise venue woke in the early morning to massive banging and smashing.
"Our house in Huntsbury was left literally trashed on the inside, and the aftershocks are not helping," Baguley told GayNZ.com.
"As I am typing this another large aftershock is happening, to be honest I am totally freaked."
"On a positive note my community really pulled together, we had a neighbour bringing us water and even making us a cup of tea. We are still without water and power has only just come back. It's a nice sunny day at least."
Drag matriarch Miss Mole has written on her Facebook page "City … you should see it … everyone is safe and okay … But or city is in ruins!"
"Life is strange. One minute I'm at a party … the next … I'm in bed … next I'm running outta my unit … as it's crashing around … all in a few minutes … life is changed.
"My best friends here are all okay … and that's the most important thing … but I'll never forget running out of my house … as it's about to come down!"
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says there will not be a house or family in the city that has not in some way had damage done to them or their property.
"Our thoughts are with our people. We know that a lot of people will be very nervous, deeply disturbed."
Have you been impacted by the quake? Let us know how you're doing: gaynz@woosh.co.nz
