Don't we have some members in New Zealand? I'm not certain, but I thought we did.
This earthquake was close to the surface, so it has caused terrible damage and multiple fatalities. They are having huge aftershocks that are making it hard for them to rescue people who are still trapped.
If you live in New Zealand, please let us know if you are okay.
Hoping for the best - I think one member used to live there.
i was born and bred in new zealand.
i've been glued to the horrible tv coverage.
between the floods, fires, cyclones and earthquakes, the antipodes are feeling distinctly unsafe lately.
the death toll in christchurch is going to get a lot worse as they start identifying people.
it is simply heartbreaking.
and as always, there are lessons to be pondered about the transient nature of stuff and the importance of life.
I can't recall who it would be either but I'm pretty certain there was someone from there, too. Strength to everyone down there anyway.
I'm not in Christchurch, thankfully, and my family is all safe including my niece who should have flown out of there this morning. I'm in Dunedin, about 350 km away and the initial shake and the first aftershock both rattled my house.
I want to say something about the people who have died and the families who are still waiting to hear news but I cant. We're all a bit numbed still I guess. You tend to focus on the weirdest little things because the big picture is just too much to process.
inga, I think you just said it all.
Christchurch is my home town. Thankfully my family and friends are safe. Many though have lost homes and everything they own. People are desperate for life's basics - water, food, shelter. Much of the city still remains without power and water. Many of my friends and family have left town to provide for themselves and families, but also to get away from the trauma of a city that keeps shaking. My mother arrived here yesterday having had no shower since Tuesday morning and very shaken. My father is still in Christchurch - he is one of the lucky ones though - power and water were quickly restored where my parents live. He still has to boil the water though, and they still can't shower, and the aftershocks keep coming.
Please pray for everyone in our city, and the lives lost and the missing - 103 dead, and 228 missing at last update. and 1000's of homeless.
I also wanted to share this which I read in an article from one of our reporters : "I managed to be reunited with my partner and small children around six and a half hours after the disaster struck.
My house is uninhabitable but I don't give a toss about the material crap it holds. My children are alive. They're alive!! "
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4693057/The-day-the-earth-roared
Glad to hear that you are safe, inga and Sophie, and so sorry for everything that you've still had to go through.
If you know of a charity or any other group bringing in water and medical necessities, can you upload a link when you get a chance? I'd love to donate, and I'm sure many other unclutterers also want to help.
Over on Slacktivist, someone in Wellington posted that a dairy company has diverted dozens of milk trucks to bring water to the city -- something like 400,000 liters on the day after the quake -- and Air New Zealand has sent so many planes to fly displaced people out that the airport's at capacity (fortunately it's sustained only minor damage). Power, phones and water are back up in the less-damaged areas of the city.
The New Zealand Red Cross is having an appeal, and is set up to accept donations from overseas.
Prayers are with you!
Sophie, I'm so glad you and your family are safe! I'm sorry your house is ruined. Do you have insurance? Will you be able to get some help?
Inga, I'm glad you are safe, too! I understand what you mean about the numbness.
I am so sad for all the people who have lost their lives or family members because of this awful earthquake.
Claycat, thanks for your kind thoughts. We haven't lost our home as we live in the North Island now and a long way from Christchurch, but we have a number of friends and family that have lost their homes in the quake, including family who have fled the disaster area and staying with us at the moment. It is the children in particular that are very traumatised. The authorities have now closed schools until the end of next week, so many people will be staying away for a while yet. It will give people time to decide on what to do next. They are taking each day as it comes at the moment.
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and well wishes.
Dear Sophie....I'm so thankful your children are okay. I pray everything will get better soon.
Sophie, I misread! You quoted a reporter, but I didn't realize the second paragraph was also by the reporter, the one that said, "My house is uninhabitable..." Blush!
Anyway, I am glad you are far from the damage and that your family is safe! :)
Inga, I hope things continue to be good for you as well!
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