Quake threw principal out of bed

Damage to a building on the corner of Manchester and Worcester Streets, Christchurch. Photo / Geoff Sloan.

Darfield Primary School principal Markham McMullen said this morning's earthquake was like facing a train.

"It just kept coming, it went and on and on."

The force of the initial quake, about 4.35am, threw him and his wife, Annita, out of bed, he said.

"It was absolutely terrifying. We grabbed our daughter, Sophie, from her room and crouched under a doorway. The TV was flying around the room and the reality kicked in. It was very scary.

"Our china cabinet has crashed, pictures are off the wall, anything high up has come down and the cat has gone. He is probably still heading south.

"I've been in a few big quakes down in Southland, but nothing like this. It really flexed and the aftershocks were the other thing. They just kept hitting."

Mr McMullen drove to his school and said a quick check had revealed no major damage.

"There is some brickwork down in one place but it is not severe. There are books all over the place in the library.

"Fortunately, no one seems to have been hurt around here. Material things don't matter in situations like this."

- NZPA