Wednesday 23 February 2011

Another Tragedy for Christchurch

It looks like a bomb has gone off.  It has been likened to 9/11.  It's absolute devastation for everyone, but especially those that experienced the huge earthquake in Christchurch yesterday afternoon. 

While the seismic number was lower than the previous big quake last September,  this quake was only 5kms underground so was way more violent than before.  Whole buildings have been destroyed, people have been killed, cars and buses have been crushed under bricks.

Rescue workers are still pulling out survivors from completely demolished buildings.  People have spoken to trapped people, unable to locate them and rescue them.   

It was lunchtime for many.  It came out of nowhere and there was no time to get to safety for many. 

The parks have been made into makeshift hospitals.  People trapped in the city overnight experienced cold, wet weather, some without shelter.  There wasn't enough blankets for the two thousand people in the inner city.  Last night while we were enjoying a hot dinner, they were still without food and water. 

There is updated information and photos here.  All of these photos came from The NZ Herald site.   

This side of the world has had too many tragedies of late.  This latest one has come at a high cost to human life for a city already fragile.  It's shocking to see so many beautiful old buildings beyond repair.  Christchurch will never be the same.  They are going to need so much help this time around.  Donations are needed and gifts of love will need to be arranged and sent to those who have once again lost everything.

We are thinking of you, people of Christchurch. xxx

23 comments:

Floss said...

Thank you for this very moving post, Sarah. When I saw the news I pulled out my address book to check that you, and the others I know from NZ, weren't near Christchurch (sorry to be ignorant of your geography, but I guess you understand). I'm relieved to say that I don't think I know anyone personally affected, but ultimately, that doesn't make any difference to the tragedy.

Cat said...

32 Quilts for Christchurch were picked up from my home this morning by a Auckland Mainly Music co-ordinator - they have begun their journey south.
Later today I will post another call out for QAYG blocks and completed tops and/or quilts to continue the project.

Mrs. Cozy Home said...

Heartbreaking devastation...moves me to tears

Me and Ma said...

What shocking pictures Sarah ! I was so pleased to know that you and yours are safe, but my thoughts obviously go out to the people of Queensland...

Scrummy Scrapz aka Lizzie said...

Unbelievable devastation, especially when it is only a very small country. A country with the most beautiful scenery in the world. Heartfelt thoughts go out to the people of Christchurch and that you are safe..
It appears that the world is turning upside down, with Queensland, wars etc. Keep safe xx

Kate said...

The pictures out of Christchurch are horrific.
It must have felt like hell on earth.
Our thoughts and love are with all those affected.

'Joyce' said...

Sarah, you were in my thoughts yesterday along with so many others in New Zealand. Such a heartbreak to see it on tv, I think I am still in shock. Our prayers and thoughts go out to everyone in Christchurch. Please if there is a crochet group that want squares or anything else, could you let me know. I would love to assist even in just a small way. My prayers continue for rescue efforts and those that are assisting. Bless. xx

Elderberry-Rob said...

Such devastation - I can't imagine how these people must feel to have lost everything and in some cases each other... praying for reassurance, calm, that the needs of the people will be provided quickly, that they can be comforted and healed. Betty

Kirsty @ Bonjour Quilts said...

Have been thinking of my Kiwi friends, both real and virtual, as I follow this awful tragedy. Such a beautiful city that will never be the same.

Unknown said...

I haven't listen to or seen the news for a few days so this has really touched me and i feel very tearful seeing and reading your post, My thoughts are with all the familys this had touched. dee x

inmykitchen said...

It is truly frightening the terror that nature can inflict we have no power to command it. I am glad you and your family are safe.
Jo x

VintageVicki said...

I couldn't believe it when I heard on the radio yesterday that this had happened. When we watched the lunchtime news, we were all shocked at the devastation that has happened.

Scented Sweetpeas said...

:-( it makes you have goosebumps looking at those photos, so sad and scary. Take care x

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Goodness, dear NZ, you've had enough devestation, this is so horrible, wishing you well for the amazing charity work going on already, love Posie

Unknown said...

My heart goes out to everyone in Christchurch. I can honestly say that I have experienced some of the things all these people are going through. I was a small child during the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake that registered at 9.2 on the richter scale. It was the longest day in my life. People need to remember, that after shocks will continue to plague everyone for awhile.........My prayers are with you all. Please let us know we can do to help.
Chris

Joan said...

Sometimes it's hard, from half-way around the world, to put a human face on such a disaster, but you've done that for us. Thank you.

Annemiek said...

It's all over the news here too. Your pics are shocking; so much devastation. I cannot imagine what it must be like. All the best for the people of Christchurch!

Lululiz said...

I was so worried about you, so I quickly had to check where you lived, and then breathed a sigh of relief. At least you were safe. My son has a friend in Christchurch, thankfully he ok.
Every time I see the news, my heart grows heavier and heavier, because so many people are still missing.

Angela said...

You are all in our thoughts and prayers right now x

Clare said...

All the way from the UK, my heart goes out to the people affected and their loved ones. Much respect to the rescue workers who we have been seeing on the news doing a fantastic job.
Clare
xx

Michaja said...

It's terrible what happend there! All those people involved. Thinking of them.

kim said...

So sorry that your part of the world has yet another shocking disaster to cope with, my prayers and thoughts are with you........such devestation to such a beautiful country.
florrie xx

Luisa said...

Truly horrendous, Sarah. It's just so unbelievable, after the first one.