I survived the '89 Loma Prieta 6.9 earthquake. It is a nerve racking experience. We lost six people. The after shocks just keep coming for days and weeks after the event.
The county was without power for four days and most roads leading in and out of the county were destroyed. Plans to supply the area with food and other necessities by sea were started, but luckily, not needed.
Amazingly, there were no problems with looting or other civil problems. From my experience, when disaster strikes, the community will pull together. At least here it did on that and the following days.
The Kiwi's will do just fine.