New Zealand MOVES: Sea floor lifts 20 FEET after powerful quake
NEW ZEALAND’S 7.8 magnitude earthquake was so destructive the sea floor lifted TWO METRES and exploded through the sand.
The damage of the New Zealand earthquake have emerged in this astonishing pictures
These astonishing images show the sheer scale of the devastation wreaked on the southern island’s seabed left in tatters since the quake struck on Monday.
The aerial images reveal the seabed uplifted an estimated two to two-and-a-half metres out of the sea and above the ground level on the foreshore.
The purple areas of the sea bed show where it was forced up to the surface.
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These images show the sheer scale of the devastation
It’s a very complex rapture. It will take a while before this becomes normal again
While other incredible pictures capture the devestating death of sea creatures, who are left stranded because they can’t survive out of the water.
The enormous New Zealand earthquake not only tore apart the coastline north of Kaikoura, it also battered homes and roadways and some of the country’s famed mountain areas.
Two people died and thousands were left stranded after the quake, with dozens more injured.
Shocked scientists say they have never seen an earthquake cause the New Zealand seabed to lift.
Marine Geologist Dr Joshua Mounty said he “has never seen it before during an earthquake”.
He added: “It’s a very complex rapture. It will take a while before this becomes normal again.”
Sea creatures are stranded on the sea bed
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Others took to Facebook to express their shock at the pictures posted by Environmental and Engineering Consultants Tonkin and Taylor, which racked up more than 1,000 shares.
One said: “Amazing power of mother earth.”
Another said:”That is unreal, that has to be at least 15-20 feet of upwelling to expose those pauas like that.
Facebook users are shocked at the sheer devastation
The small South Island tourist town of Kaikoura, a popular spot for whale watching, bore the brunt of the devastating earthquake.
The town was still cut off on Tuesday by landslips that covered road and rail links in both directions.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said it was cost "billions of dollars" to repair the mass trail of destruction.