Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

New Zealand radio reporter calmly continues broadcast during 7.5-magnitude earthquake

At least two people have died after a series of aftershocks and a tsunami hit the east coast of the southern island

Peter Walker
Monday 14 November 2016 11:33 GMT
Comments
Presenter continues broadcasting during New Zealand arthquake

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A radio broadcaster has been widely praised as a national hero after keeping her cool on air during a 7.5-magnitude earthquake.

Radio New Zealand journalist Vicky McKay calmly finished her midnight news bulletin when tremors rocked the seaside Cheviot town on the South Island.

Loud rumblings threatened to drown out her voice as she talked about cricket and signed off at 12.04am.

“Yes, Wellington, we are undergoing a fairly dense earthquake,” said Mrs McKay.

“Please, just get to somewhere where you are safely under some protection, because this is long and rolling, and it has been getting worse every five minutes.

“I can honestly say I doubt that I’ll be able to stay in the chair for much longer.

Powerful earthquake strikes New Zealand's South Island

“It’s definitely the worst earthquake we’ve had in Wellington for some time.”

Just before strolling seamlessly into a song, she said: “I sincerely hope that you’re all OK.”

At least two people have died after the earthquake, measured as highly as 7.8 on the Richter scale, triggered a series of aftershocks.

A two-metre high tsunami was recorded in Kaikoura.

A 6.2 earthquake later struck north-western Argentina.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in