In an interesting intersection of my seismological work and my GA work about an hour ago a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch , New Zealand.  There are initial reports of peak ground accelerations above 0.4%g and very strong intensities so significant damage can be expected.  While the mainstream media is trying to get information on this the twitterverse is indicating sections of the city with major damage.  Confirmation will await 1) the light of day and 2) the ability to get news out of the epicentral region.

I mention the intersection with Presbyterianism because the 2010 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is scheduled to convene in Christchurch on the 30th of this month.

Prayers for all affected and we will have to wait and see how this will impact the GA.

Technical note:  The South Island of New Zealand has a geologic and tectonic setting similar to California with a plate-bounding strike-slip fault running through it.  While this was not on the Alpine fault, having an earthquake like this on a near-by fault is not a geologic surprise.  Again, we are working with the scientific information we have and it will take a while to fully characterize this event.

UPDATE: Presbyterian Research passes along a description and message from a pastor in the area