PM staying for earthquake recovery

The Herald reports:

Prime Minister John Key has today cancelled his trip to Argentina because of the earthquakes but intends to travel to Peru later this week for Apec if circumstances permit.

Key was scheduled to leave tomorrow for Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two days before heading to Lima for Apec.

As a result of this morning’s earthquake, Key has made the decision to postpone his visit to Argentina.

“The situation is still unfolding and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage,” Key says.

“I believe it is better that I remain in New Zealand in the coming days to offer my assistance and support until we have a better understanding of the event’s full impact.

It was such a powerful quake in terms of the impact on roads etc but thankfully a lesser impact on buildings. The timing helped that few people were out driving affected roads when it happened.