Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Christchurch earthquake


This is the result of a 6.3 earthquake which hit Christchurch on Tuesday 22nd Feb at a depth of 5km. 
It was very shallow and hit in the middle of the day when streets were crowded, people were sitting outside under verandas at cafes enjoying the sun and having lunch.

Tourists were out sight-seeing and people were shopping or going about their daily chores.
In an instant their lives were changed.








These images were all taken from the TVNZ website.
If you would like to see more images of what the people of Christchurch are going through, here are some links:




http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/

If you are looking for a family member or friend and can't contact them, ring 0800 RED CROSS to report a missing person.
You could also try the following:

http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/

I have spent hours manning the Red Cross Missing Person phone line yesterday and the Christchurch Earthquake Helpline today, receiving calls from people who can't find relatives, neighbours or friends. People who have found dogs and are looking after them. People who have been found, and calls from people who simply don't know what to do.

In some cases it was hard not to cry, stories were heartbreaking.  I hope that in my lifetime I never have to experience what they are experiencing. They are so courageous.

So many people have lost everything, their homes are rubble, they have nothing but what they stand up in.

My heart is with those families with loved ones missing.
Carole

24 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

It is hard to imagine how awful this must be and my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

Jane

Doreen G said...

My heart breaks everytime I see a photo of the Cathedral and to think it was less than 3 months ago that I was sitting inside there with my head bowed.My prayers are with all your fellow countrymen Carole.
God bless.

Jen xo said...

i get very upset when i see the news reports, my heart goes out to them, you are wonderful to be able to help like this Carole....

Margaret said...

Heartbreaking.. Mx

suziqu's thread works said...

It is truely devestating for all who were affected by this incredible earthquake. Blessings to every single person who is in there trying to help in whatever way they can, and to all those who have been left homeless, heartbroken and shocked.
Thankyou Carole for helping on the end of the phone - you will be truely appreciated. There is little we can do here from across the water in Australia.
Bless you,
Suzy

Mixed Media Martyr said...

It is wonderful to hear that you are helping Carole. It is so scary to watch it all happening. We heard that our family were OK. It was scary waiting for the news.

Mixed Media Martyr said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
voodoo vixen said...

The devastation is awful, the cost to people in their families, homes and work must be unbareable, you are so kind to give your time to help others, I hope the word rallies to help them rebuild this beuatiful place.

Nancy said...

The destruction is beyond belief, and, as you note, the suddenness of the situation was shocking. Thank you for volunteering and helping to answer some of the many, many needs. All the best.

Linda Jo said...

I'm so glad you are able to help. Being able to call someone for information and to just listen is so very important. You are doing a great work. Praying for all of you.

Bunty said...

It was yet another awful tragedy for New Zealand - how kind of you to help out manning the helpline phones.

Having lost some of our belongings in the awful 2007 floods I can imagine what it must be like to lose everything and my heart goes out to those poor people.

Truly devastating.

Barbara

jacaranda said...

My heart goes out to your country and it's people of Christchurch. Thank you Carole for helping by manning the phones. Every little bit helps.

Rhonda said...

It is so hard to imagine what everyone there must be going through.

My prayers are with all of you once again. September's earthquake was not that long ago.

To read you helped with the missing touched my heart, Carole. May God give you extra strength during this sad time.

Julie said...

In a country that has never experienced this level of earthquake and destruction it is difficult to imagine the horror of being involved. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch.

TwoHeartsPath said...

My Heart, Thoughts and Prayers go out to all those who are suffering this terrible tragedy....Patti

Magpie's Mumblings said...

So much devastation in this world - our thoughts are certainly with the families who have lost so much.

BadPenny said...

This is so devastating Carole.

*jean* said...

o so frightening...so sorry to hear this news

Maggie R said...

This has been a nightmare Carole.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie

~*~Patty S said...

sending
hugs
prayers
and
healing
to all

take care dear friend
oxo

Dogwood said...

My thought and prayers are with you and all the people in the area of the terrible earthquake. I can not even imagine how horrible it all must be.
Hugs to you. Big hugs. Tight hugs.
Love...Cory~Dogwood

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

Oh how awful! The devastation is just unbelievable! I will keep everyone in Christchurch in my prayers.

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

This is such a terrible act of nature.
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch.

Deb said...

Thank you gorgeous Carole for all your hard work in helping us all out down here. You're a sweetie, we need all the help we can get/
xx