Kennewick woman survives New Zealand earthquake

Published 2:25 pm Wednesday, February 23, 2011

KENNEWICK — A Kennewick woman was in Christchurch, New Zealand, when the 6.3 earthquake hit, killing at least 75 people with hundreds missing.

Holly Baynes says she was napping when she was shaken awake and ran outside.

KAPP-TV in Yakima reports the 22-year-old, who is finishing a study-abroad program, is uninjured. She lost her water supply but the electricity stayed on, allowing her to keep in touch with her family.

Her stepfather, Richland Fire Chief Grant Baynes, was born in Christchurch.