shake that bear

Editorial: The nation weeps with Christchurch
A second earthquake, worse than the first, is more than any city should have to bear. The 6.3 shake that hit Christchurch yesterday was worse in every way but magnitude. It was shallower, closer to the city, buildings that somehow survived the 7.1 quake in September toppled yesterday. But worst of all, it happened in the middle of a working day when people were all around.

The common reaction to September's pre-dawn quake was, "Imagine if it had happened in daytime." Nobody needs to imagine now. In the immediate aftermath, parents tried desperately to contact children at schools, working couples anxiously called each other, families who endured the first shake together in their house were worried for each other this time. With reason. Last night's confirmation of 65 casualties and perhaps many more was sadly inevitable given the evidence of destruction.Read More shake that bear..