AN Island resident has been caught up in the devastating earthquake which hit Christchurch in New Zealand today, just before 1pm local time.
Michael Butler, 23, is originally from Port St Mary but is currently living in Christchurch while studying at the University of Canterbury.
Speaking exclusively to isleofman.com reporter Tessa Hawley, Michael said it was "mad" how much damage the earthquake, which measured 6.3 on the Richter Scale, had caused.
Michael, who is studying mechanical engineering, was at university at the time the earthquake hit.
He said: "There was no warning. The walls started shaking violently and the windows imploded. I wasn't scared but a few people got thrown around and girls were screaming.
"Once it stopped there was a big cheer and everyone got evacuated. When we got outside there was another aftershock and the buildings were wobbling like they were made out of rubber. It was epic to see."
The death toll in Christchurch currently stands at 65 although this is expected to rise with reports that up to 300 people could be dead.
Aftershocks have been measured at 5.7 magnitude and the damage is said to be so severe because the earthquake struck just 4km below the surface.
New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key said: "It is a scene of utter devastation. This may well be New Zealand's darkest day."
Michael lives around 12 kilometres from the earthquake epicentre. He continued: "We went home and found there were cracks in the kitchen. The neighbour's house had glass everywhere - pretty much everything that could smash in their house did.
"I'm scared for other people in and about town. There are still big fires and an unknown amount of people trapped. The death toll is supposed to rise to between 200 and 400.
"Some of my friends live close to the epicentre and their house has been demolished and everything is broken. Their neighbours have had large rocks falling through and crushing their houses. Another good friend who teaches at a primary school had just got people outside for a break after a swimming lesson and then the pool collapsed. It's all going off."
Michael said residents had been given advice on what to do next. He explained: "We've been told to stay inside at the moment and stay outside of the town. We've been told to boil water and collect as much water as we can as the sewage pipes have burst and are being pumped into the rivers."
Michael's family live in Port St Mary and he has managed to speak to them using Skype and Facebook to let them know he is ok.
He continued: "It's too dark and dangerous to be out at the moment and you're not allowed into town so I'm going to go and stay with some friends nearby to comfort people. I will probably stay in Christchurch and see what we can do to help tomorrow."
Also see: "It's crazy to be part of" says resident in centre of earthquake devastation
