As we reported earlier this week, High On Fire and The Melvins were literally a minute away from boarding a plane in Christchurch, New Zealand when a devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake erupted. While no one in the bands were injured, the death toll has reportedly risen to 102 people. Both bands are still reportedly in New Zealand and have altered their current touring plans due to the earthquake.

High On Fire singer/guitarist Matt Pike has provided NBC Bay Area a video report describing his first hand experience during the earthquake’s affect. The video report can be seen on the channel’s website. Both High On Fire and The Melvins released a joint official statement explaining the current circumstances, ending with the following message:

“Our thoughts go out to all the people of Christchurch who have already been through such agony recently and are now going through much worse. To those who have lost loved ones in particular, our deepest sympathies.”

We will keep you posted as well, and our thoughts also go out to the people of Christchurch, NZ.

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Zach Shaw