NZ Reels After Second Major Quake

The city of Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake on Tuesday 22 February, the second major earthquake in less than six months, causing scores of deaths and widespread destruction. The 6.3 magnitude quake was at a depth of just 5km, centred 10km south-east of the city.

The earthquake struck at 12:51 pm, causing structural damage and total destruction of some buildings, extensive liquefaction and flooding. Vehicles were crushed by falling debris. Medical triage centres were established around the city. The mayor of Christchurch has declared a state of emergency.

By late afternoon The Salvation Army was assisting over 1000 people at an welfare site established near the inner city at Hagley Park. Shocked and grief-stricken locals were initially and temporarily being housed in large marquees that were already on site for the Ellerslie Flower Show. There were plans for people in this location to eventually be relocated to an alternative welfare area.

Major Rex Cross, emergency services coordinator for The Salvation Army in Christchurch, said that The Salvation Army was calling its teams together as fast as possible. Travel across the city was extremely difficult, however, with the CBD gridlocked initially, and people now being told to stay away from the city centre.

‘You just cannot imagine the enormity of this [quake] compared to the first one,’ said Rex. Catering supplies had been organised for around 1500 people, he said. ‘Food is on its way and people will be fed.’
 
Some Salvation Army buildings have been damaged. The Salvation Army’s Community Ministry Centre in Christchurch has been severely damaged, with significant damage to Christchurch City Corps. The Salvation Army’s South Island headquarters had also been affected.

The city of Christchurch and parts of the surrounding region were still rebuilding after a 7.1 earthquake that struck in the early hours of 4 September 2010. While that earthquake damaged buildings and made some homes inhabitable, there were no deaths and only a small number of injuries. The 22 February earthquake was closer to the city centre and more shallow.

The Salvation Army was involved in the initial response to last year’s earthquake and has continued to assist with welfare and psychosocial support.

‘The situation in Christchurch is extremely serious,’ says Territorial Commander Commissioner Don Bell. ‘Our prayers are with the city of Christchurch—we pray for our own people, for their friends and neighbours. We pray that God will give strength and hope to those who are in shock, and help rescue efforts.

‘The Salvation Army stands ready to continue to help the city in this terrible time of great grief and human need.’

The Salvation Army has relaunched its Canterbury Earthquake Appeal in expectation of great humanitarian need.

National fundraising coordinator Major Robbie Ross says the region has suffered terribly since last September’s earthquake and a tremendous effort was now required to help those already living with the hardships and psychological effects of the original quake and its aftershocks.

‘Our experience with the September quake showed us the great emotional shock such an event can have on people–and now there is the added dimension of some people grieving for loved ones,’ he says.

‘There will be a myriad of material needs by those who have lost possessions and homes. We are appealing for cash donations to strengthen our response.’

Donate to the ‘Canterbury Earthquake Appeal’

• Freephone: 0800 53 00 00
• By Post: ‘The Salvation Army, PO Box 27 001 Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand’
• By Direct Credit: BNZ 02-0568-0091726-02
  
  • Please include your first and last name as a reference. For a receipt email
    Public Relations with your mailing address.
• Donate online

Please specify that your donation is for the ‘Canterbury Earthquake Appeal’