http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Canterbury_earthquake

On the 4th of sept (NZ time) a earthquake of 7.1 ripped through the christchurch area. I do not live in the south island, and was not directly affected by the shake. Christchurch is a major city in New Zealand for a population of 4 going on 5 million and it is the largest city in the south island. We have higher standards in NZ so our buildings did not collaspe like in haiti, but most of the old city has been damaged and the houses either shifted off their foundations or cracked. This is estimated to cost over $2 billion (NZ). So far, there have been no confirmed deaths but hundreds of injuries. Our Prime Minister visited on the same day as the quake and the response has been quick. For such as small country, this is a major disaster.