New Zealanders in Utah await word after 6.3 quake

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SALT LAKE CITY -- New Zealanders living in Utah are waiting desperately to hear if their loved ones are all right, after several earthquakes hit the area of Christchurch.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch during the middle of the day, when the streets were busy. Honorary New Zealand Consul to Utah Iain McKay says he's heard reports that this quake is far worse than the one that hit New Zealand last September.

He cried as he said, "When you have family there, you can't help but be a little concerned."

He said more than 3,000 New Zealanders live in Utah, and his phones have been flooded with calls from people who can't get in touch with their loved ones because phone lines are down in New Zealand. He says the government is posting updates on the website civildefence.govt.nz.

"Later, a phone line will be established where people can call and have the police check on their relations," he said.

But McKay said the first concern of police in Christchurch is to find survivors.

"The first and primary concern is getting people out of the trapped buildings. These buildings are pancaked and you've got people trapped there under the debris," McKay said.

He said the government of New Zealand has plenty of emergency supplies at the ready because they live in an area prone to quakes.

"I know our prime minister has already said that the overseas help is flooding in offers, which is very touching," he said.

But, not knowing about the safety of his family in Christchurch has him worried the most.

E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com