When the earth shook in a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake early on Monday morning, November 14, it was the beginning of a traumatic series of events.

For many New Zealanders, the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Monday morning was the most violent tremor they'd experienced. But it was just the beginning.

In the hours afterwards, many fled to the hills under caution of a tsunami. Some dodged vast cracks in the road, others surveyed damaged or destroyed homes and businesses. And then the weather closed in.

On Wednesday, the extent of damage to buildings in the central Wellington started to become clearer. Looking back through the photos and video our journalists have filed – and that you have sent us – this has been one heck of a scary week.