Kiwi woman “miraculously” rescued from Christchurch quake site

WELLINGTON - A woman, who was trapped inside a building for over 25 hours following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, has been miraculously rescued.

The New Zealand Herald quoted Ann Bodkin’s husband, Graham Richardson, as saying that after being rescued, his wife could not turn her neck to look at him, and she just giggled.

On being asked if hoped that Ann would be alive, Richardson said: “You always hope. I had lots of people around me helping and praying that she’d be fine. Ann is one of the miracles of the day.”

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, who was present at the location, said that he was touched after seeing the re-union of the pair.

“When she came out, she said to her husband, Graham: “I didn’t know if I was going to see you again, but I was determined to see you again,” Parker added.

Ann Bodkin was immediately taken away for a medical check-up after being rescued, and was also made to wear a sunglass to protect her eyes after spending a long time in the dark.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand government has declared a national state of emergency after reports emerged that the devastating earthquake had killed at least 75 people.

Yesterday, Prime Minister John Key had said that the quake could prove to be New Zealand’s “darkest day”, adding: “It’s an absolute tragedy for this city, for New Zealand, for the people we care so much about and it’s a terrifying time for the people of Canterbury.” (ANI)