Earthquake Devastation
Two days ago, New Zealand was once again rocked by a huge Earthquake - it was smaller than Septembers 7.1 Quake (which hit the same city), but shallower in the ground, which caused much more damage. Large buildings flattened, roads torn apart, and hundreds of people trapped in the rubble. Those who were lucky enough to avoid being trapped may now be faced with being homeless due to the damage taken on their houses. Water and food is scarce, and some people have been forced to loot unsafe buildings and homes to find food for themselves and their families.
I don't live near the effected area. Christchurch was the city which was hit, including its surrounding towns and villages, which are on the South Island, while I live on the North Island. However, even when not being effected directly, I know how easy it is for something like this to happen where I live too. Seeing the devastation on the News is heartbreaking. However, its still amazing to hear about the stories of help, from New Zealand's own people, AND from countries around the world. I know that countries such as Australia, America, Britain, Taiwan and Japan have all sent New Zealand help - which is amazing to see.
Even if you don't live in New Zealand, if you wish to help, then please do. Donation information is located at the end of this blog.
For more details and images of the event, go to http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4688671/Christchurch-quake-latest-info and http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4688271/Christchurch-quake-the-first-images
- (Information from #kiwisunite)
February 22, 2011 was a very dark day in New Zealand's history. An earthquake struck in Christchurch and claimed at least 71 lives, and scores more are injured, with over 300 people still missing, in what Prime Minister John Key says "may well be New Zealand's darkest day".
The 6.3 earthquake hit the city just before 1pm. It was very shallow so it caused major damage. But in true New Zealand spirit we all stuck together and are doing all we can to help in the aftermath of this tragedy.
35 military personal are on the ground providing first aid and support to the city's major most affected areas. Another 250 will arrive in Christchurch on the 23rd to boost support. Cabinet has made emergency funds available for the region. Hospitals around the South Island have been cleared to take the hundreds of casualties that were expected, while makeshift hospitals are set up in parts of Christchurch. Emergency triage centres for the injured are operating at Latimer Square, Canterbury University and the Sanitarium Building in Papanui.
Rescuers in Christchurch have worked desperately throughout the night to reach hundreds of people thought to be trapped inside buildings.
The death toll officially stands at 71, but that is expected to be updated this morning, as rescuers get further inside damaged buildings.
There have been some incredible stories of survival, with at least two people freed from the flattened Pyne Gould Corporation building yesterday.
The search effort will be stepped up even further today, with Civil Defence saying 320 search and rescue personnel will be on the ground by midday, and hundreds more by tomorrow.
Much of the central city has been in lockdown overnight, under a curfew to stop looters and to keep people from entering dangerous buildings.
Meanwhile, of those residents who survived the quake, thousands will be homeless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Christchurch and their families & friends.
Information for New Zealanders wanting to help the quake-affected:
-The US Embassy in NZ has asked for anyone with information or enquiries about US citizens and tourists in New Zealand to email chchquake@state.gov
-Use the Google person-finder (at this http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/) to help share information about those missing in the quake.
-It is suggested that if you have heard from Cantabrians who are unable to update their Facebook page, post to their page so their friends and family know they have been contacted.
-The NZ Blood Donation service have said they do not require blood donations at this time, but will update their Facebook page when it is needed.
-A Facebook group (at this http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_144015715661100¬if_t=group_r2j) has been set up for those who are able to offer free temporary accommodation for those affected.
-If you are in Auckland and can offer accommodation to those affected, please register on 0800 AUCKLAND.
-The UC Student Volunteer Army is preparing volunteers to help quake-affected people.
To make a donation:
-Phone 0900 33 200 to make an automatic $20 donation
-FreeTXT 'QUAKE' to 555 to donate $5 or FreeTXT 'QUAKE' to 333 to donate $3 from any Vodafone mobile
-Donate online at redcross.org.nz
-Donate in person at any branch of NZ Post, Kiwibank, ANZ, National Bank, ASB, TSB and BNZ across New Zealand. meanwhile you can donate to accounts set up by the banks:
ASB - 12-3205-0146808-00
ANZ - 01-1839-0188939-00
National Bank - 06-0869-0548507-00
Westpac - 03-0207-0617331-00
-Mail a cheque (made payable to New Zealand Red Cross) to: Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, Freepost 232690, PO Box 12-140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144.
-The Salvation Army is accepting donations online, and by phone 0800 53 00 00.
Information for quake-affected New Zealanders:
-Water tankers will be set up by 11am with Federated Farmers at Redcliffs, Phillipstown, South New Brighton, Shirley and Lyttleton Main. You will need to take a water container with you.
-Do not attempt to enter the CBD.
-Keep the roads clear.
-The 24 hour surgery on Bealy Avenue is open.
-The government help hotline is 0800 779 997 and the Red Cross hotline is 0800 733 276
-Please use text messaging rather than calling where possible.
-Air NZ is offering reduced-fare flights out of the city.
-Lifeline helplines are up and running for those who just need to talk - 0800 543 354 or if overloaded: 0800 111 757
I don't live near the effected area. Christchurch was the city which was hit, including its surrounding towns and villages, which are on the South Island, while I live on the North Island. However, even when not being effected directly, I know how easy it is for something like this to happen where I live too. Seeing the devastation on the News is heartbreaking. However, its still amazing to hear about the stories of help, from New Zealand's own people, AND from countries around the world. I know that countries such as Australia, America, Britain, Taiwan and Japan have all sent New Zealand help - which is amazing to see.
Even if you don't live in New Zealand, if you wish to help, then please do. Donation information is located at the end of this blog.
For more details and images of the event, go to http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4688671/Christchurch-quake-latest-info and http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4688271/Christchurch-quake-the-first-images
- (Information from #kiwisunite)
February 22, 2011 was a very dark day in New Zealand's history. An earthquake struck in Christchurch and claimed at least 71 lives, and scores more are injured, with over 300 people still missing, in what Prime Minister John Key says "may well be New Zealand's darkest day".
The 6.3 earthquake hit the city just before 1pm. It was very shallow so it caused major damage. But in true New Zealand spirit we all stuck together and are doing all we can to help in the aftermath of this tragedy.
35 military personal are on the ground providing first aid and support to the city's major most affected areas. Another 250 will arrive in Christchurch on the 23rd to boost support. Cabinet has made emergency funds available for the region. Hospitals around the South Island have been cleared to take the hundreds of casualties that were expected, while makeshift hospitals are set up in parts of Christchurch. Emergency triage centres for the injured are operating at Latimer Square, Canterbury University and the Sanitarium Building in Papanui.
Rescuers in Christchurch have worked desperately throughout the night to reach hundreds of people thought to be trapped inside buildings.
The death toll officially stands at 71, but that is expected to be updated this morning, as rescuers get further inside damaged buildings.
There have been some incredible stories of survival, with at least two people freed from the flattened Pyne Gould Corporation building yesterday.
The search effort will be stepped up even further today, with Civil Defence saying 320 search and rescue personnel will be on the ground by midday, and hundreds more by tomorrow.
Much of the central city has been in lockdown overnight, under a curfew to stop looters and to keep people from entering dangerous buildings.
Meanwhile, of those residents who survived the quake, thousands will be homeless.
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Christchurch and their families & friends.
Information for New Zealanders wanting to help the quake-affected:
-The US Embassy in NZ has asked for anyone with information or enquiries about US citizens and tourists in New Zealand to email chchquake@state.gov
-Use the Google person-finder (at this http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/) to help share information about those missing in the quake.
-It is suggested that if you have heard from Cantabrians who are unable to update their Facebook page, post to their page so their friends and family know they have been contacted.
-The NZ Blood Donation service have said they do not require blood donations at this time, but will update their Facebook page when it is needed.
-A Facebook group (at this http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_144015715661100¬if_t=group_r2j) has been set up for those who are able to offer free temporary accommodation for those affected.
-If you are in Auckland and can offer accommodation to those affected, please register on 0800 AUCKLAND.
-The UC Student Volunteer Army is preparing volunteers to help quake-affected people.
To make a donation:
-Phone 0900 33 200 to make an automatic $20 donation
-FreeTXT 'QUAKE' to 555 to donate $5 or FreeTXT 'QUAKE' to 333 to donate $3 from any Vodafone mobile
-Donate online at redcross.org.nz
-Donate in person at any branch of NZ Post, Kiwibank, ANZ, National Bank, ASB, TSB and BNZ across New Zealand. meanwhile you can donate to accounts set up by the banks:
ASB - 12-3205-0146808-00
ANZ - 01-1839-0188939-00
National Bank - 06-0869-0548507-00
Westpac - 03-0207-0617331-00
-Mail a cheque (made payable to New Zealand Red Cross) to: Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, Freepost 232690, PO Box 12-140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144.
-The Salvation Army is accepting donations online, and by phone 0800 53 00 00.
Information for quake-affected New Zealanders:
-Water tankers will be set up by 11am with Federated Farmers at Redcliffs, Phillipstown, South New Brighton, Shirley and Lyttleton Main. You will need to take a water container with you.
-Do not attempt to enter the CBD.
-Keep the roads clear.
-The 24 hour surgery on Bealy Avenue is open.
-The government help hotline is 0800 779 997 and the Red Cross hotline is 0800 733 276
-Please use text messaging rather than calling where possible.
-Air NZ is offering reduced-fare flights out of the city.
-Lifeline helplines are up and running for those who just need to talk - 0800 543 354 or if overloaded: 0800 111 757