Sending prayers & best wishes following earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand

[okarol]

A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the Canterbury area at 12.51pm today - February 22. The quake, approximately 5km underground and located 10km south east of the city has caused wide spread damage, bursting sewage lines, damaging buildings and homes, cutting power and telephone lines to many areas of the city. The mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, has declared a state of emergency.

Resources for Christchurch, NZ
- Searching for family? Google people finder http://christchurch-2011.person-finder.appspot.com/ Currently tracking about 3700 records.
- If you want to know if or when they need blood for Christchurch follow @bloodnz on twitter or visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Zealand-Blood-Service/59927616445
- New Zealand Red Cross for updates or to donate http://www.redcross.org.nz/ - you can follow them @NZRedCross on twitter
- Salvation Army link for donations as well http://bit.ly/gKZT5i

[RichardMEL]

Yes, this is a great tragedy. It seems poor NZ has been really hammered recently - just like this area of the world. There is a blanket coverage on TV Here.

Best wishes to the people of NZ and anyone with relatives/loved ones there who may be affected by this latest disaster.

[galvo]

It's a really bad one. 65 dead and rising. NZers are family to us in OZ. Some of the scenes of blood-covered citizens scrabbling through the ruins trying to save others was truly inspiring. The Royal Australian Air Force is already flying in rescuers, equipment, and supplies and the USA has promised to help. Remember one thing, the Kiwis are bloody tough. God bless 'em all!!!!

[Henry P Snicklesnorter]

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