FACEBOOK/ANNA REDMOND The damage of the New Zealand earthquake have emerged in this astonishing pictures

FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again. SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign up fornow and never miss the top politics stories again. We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

These astonishing images show the sheer scale of the devastation wreaked on the southern island’s seabed left in tatters since the quake struck on Monday. The aerial images reveal the seabed uplifted an estimated two to two-and-a-half metres out of the sea and above the ground level on the foreshore. The purple areas of the sea bed show where it was forced up to the surface. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND? LATEST UP-TO-DATE EARTHQUAKE INFO

FACEBOOK/ANNA REDMOND These images show the sheer scale of the devastation

It’s a very complex rapture. It will take a while before this becomes normal again Dr Joshua Mounty, Marine Geologist

While other incredible pictures capture the devestating death of sea creatures, who are left stranded because they can’t survive out of the water. The enormous New Zealand earthquake not only tore apart the coastline north of Kaikoura, it also battered homes and roadways and some of the country’s famed mountain areas. Two people died and thousands were left stranded after the quake, with dozens more injured. Shocked scientists say they have never seen an earthquake cause the New Zealand seabed to lift. Marine Geologist Dr Joshua Mounty said he “has never seen it before during an earthquake”. He added: “It’s a very complex rapture. It will take a while before this becomes normal again.”

FACEBOOK/ANNA REDMOND Sea creatures are stranded on the sea bed

Others took to Facebook to express their shock at the pictures posted by Environmental and Engineering Consultants Tonkin and Taylor, which racked up more than 1,000 shares. One said: “Amazing power of mother earth.” Another said:”That is unreal, that has to be at least 15-20 feet of upwelling to expose those pauas like that.

FACEBOOK/ANNA REDMOND Facebook users are shocked at the sheer devastation