Just watched the news on TV. Tsunami waves of 2.5metres on the regions coastline. Both rail and most roads are closed in the area, bridges damaged and landslips are extensive.
At least one of the fatalities was in an old, brickbuilt house. Modern houses don't collapse readily, they are woodframed. We are more likely to be killed by our furniture.

The capital, Wellington, suffered extensive damage, with glass everywhere on the streets. Leenia's advice about shoes (above) is well taken.
And the weather forecast is for nasty weather.
Comment from an American tourist in Wellington.
"We didn't expect this. They put it on for us as an extra!"