massive aftershock earthquake in christchurch NZ..6.3

[carole]

Most of you will know we had a big 7.1 in september 2010, today they have had a 6.3, but the damage is massive and there are injuries, maybe even deaths, have seen them pulling people out of the rubble, it is so awful,worse than the big one in september, i have been crying just watching it all.

I am so worried my sister and husband are there on holiday, luckily they decided to go to hamner springs which is one and half hours a way today, she was originally going shopping in the CBD, someone is looking after them from above i think, don't know what they are going to do to get out and home though, as airports are evacuated and hospitals, this is devastating for the people of Christchurch, please hold them in your prayers and thoughts, thank you.

[Karen]

We will keep them and you in our prayers.

[cassiesmom]

We will keep them and you in our prayers.

Same here. It is Monday evening in Chicago, Tuesday afternoon in New Zealand.

[carole]

even though it was smaller by the scale, the damage is extensive and because of the time of day it hit, there are reports now of multiple deaths,this is so tragic, and so awful, those poor people have already been through so much, there have been over five more aftershocks ranging from 4.0 to 5.5,thanks and yes please do keep them all in your prayers.

My sister is fine and they are staying overnight in hamner springs, i have no idea as neither do they what to do next, the airport is closed at the moment, i just want to get them home and safe away from there,they have only the clothes they stand up in, as all their luggage is in a motel in christchurch,hope it is still standing, fingers crossed.

[kitten645]

LES...think and praying for all of you. I fear mass casualties. The photo's of the rubble are horrific! I understand the church steeple collapsed with tourists in it. OMG so tragic. :(

[carole]

OMG really, i did not know that, how terrible, i am a long way from christchurch, but like i said my sister is there ,and it is a worry, i feel for all those people down there,it is just awful,i cannot believe the damage, it is so bad, and lives have been lost and many injured too.

you know this could be a pure coincidence but Ellie my cat was acting really strange today, i thought it was because my friend was here, and she does not take to strangers that much, or because she was unwell today, but now i am not sure, she is one intuitive cat at the best of times, i don't think she could sense it that far away, but one never knows.

[Catty1]

Hugs and prayers to everyone there...those aftershocks hardly gave rescuers a chance...praying for some miracles.:(

[kitten645]

I'm so glad your family is safe Carole. My prayers for everyone. The devestation looks horrible. It must be a quite old city as so many buildings are in rubble. There are boldours the size of houses coming down onto houses. Completely surreal images. :(

[momcat]

Since hearing this devastating news, I'm VERY relieved to know you're okay. You have been very much on my mind and in my prayers.

The pictures coming on our local news are frightening and heartbreaking. There was a report that 2 buses were crushed. What an unspeakable disaster.

That's wonderful news about your family. Hoping they can make it home quickly and safely.

Please know that you, your family, and all of the fine people of New Zealand will remain in prayer.

[K9karen]

I'm glad your safe, Carole, your sister as well.

I've been to Christchurch and have a friend there. What a lovely city. The people are magnificent and they are in my prayers. The TV just showed the steeple gone. Oh, my. So many people hurt and killed, lots still trapped according to the news. They'll be in my prayers, poor everyone. I just can't imagine.

[carole]

yes it is so horrible, i am in tears writing this, i live in the north island , this is the south so i am far away, but still it hits one so hard, even if you don't know anyone, they are fellow NZer's and my heart goes out to each and everyone of them, 65 dead so far, and it is rising, i just am stunned, i cannot quite believe it.

I am so relieved my sister did not go shopping today in the CBD today as she planned, thank god they changed their plans, or they would have been in it, and god only knows what would have happened.

They are staying in hamner springs for the night,and then they have no idea what to do from then on, they will ring the motel in christchurch re their luggage, that is if it is still standing.

Yes some beautiful old buildings, all gone.

[gini]

Carole, I thought about you and your family right away - and I am so glad to hear that YOU are alright and of course, also your sister and her husband.

I am so so sorry to hear about the lives lost and the buildings destroyed.
I believe that there was a landslide that has caused some problems and damage as well.

I have been to ChristChurch as well and it is just a beautiful city, so sad that this has to happen especially after the large earthquake they had last September.

I lit a candle for you and all your family. You will continue to be in my prayers.

[Karen]

We just heard on the news that the official death toll so far is 65, our prayers are going out to all of New Zealand in this difficult time.

[carole]

Thanks everyone, i am sure every NZer appreciate's your concerns and well wishes and prayers, i know i sure do, my sister is going to stay in Hamner for now,she just heard from the motel in Christchurch, he reckons about 200 people are dead,but that is not official by any means, but i hate to say it, but it probably is more near the truth,there are still many trapped,OMG i just cannot believe this, I am in shock and total disbelieve,this is really happening here in NZ.please continue to pray for those poor people.

I am blessed that i have phone contact with my sister,we have been texting each other all night, i would be beside myself with worry if i could not have contact with her.

[phesina]

I am so sorry. What a horrible shock. Prayers for everyone in New Zealand.

[Laura's Babies]

Thank God your sister is alright!! (you too) It sounds awful for the people that live there.. Prayers are on their way!

[Catherinedana]

I heard about this on the way in to work this morning and it hurt my heart. . .I'm so glad that you and your sister are ok. Her luggage is a small price to pay for her well-being. All of New Zealand is in our hearts and prayers today :love:

[davidpizzica]

Karen, I'm so relieved to hear that you and your family weren't directly involved with that awful earthquake, but I'm sending Pittsburgh thoughts and prayers to your sister and her husband that their possessions are alright in the hotel.

[Freedom]

Saw a bit on the TV news this morning, how terrible!

Perhaps you sister and hubs should just focus on staying out of the midst, and getting home, leave the clothes?

Praying for all in the midst, and for family and friends who have people in that area.

[pomtzu]

Carole - I am so relieved to read that you and your family are safe. I was quite concerned about you, not knowing where you live in relation to the quake area. Thankfully, you are far from there!!! I pray for all of those still in harm's way, and for all that lost their lives and/or family and friends. I was watching the videos of the area on t.v. this a.m. - so much destruction and so many old structures lost or damaged - so many lives lost. It's heartbreaking!

[RICHARD]

Sending prayers out your way.

As a 'veteran' of a few EQs here in the land of the easily amused, I do know what you and your fellow Kiwis are feeling/thinking.

You'll see the resilience of the people in the area and of your nation in a way you have never seen before, Sad as it is to say? Sometimes it does take a tragedy to bring people together.

Hang tough, NZ. You are in our thoughts.

[Pinot's Mom]

Carole, add my thoughts to the others that you were one of the first through my head when I heard of the tragedy. I'm so glad your family is safe. Other than that, I don't know what to say, just so devastating.

[carole]

well i hear this morning the death numbers have been revised to 38,not that ,that is much help to those who lost their loved ones, or to those who are missing,i am sure it will rise though, but rumours are rife at the moment, so it is best to listen to the news and the officials.

Yes i was thinking the same about the clothes too, but they want to get them, if it were me i would just get the heck out of there,they may not be able to go to get them as they are only five minutes away from the central city, apparently they are offering flights out with the forces for $50, i would be grabbing them, they have booked flights out for saturday,and i am sure they could get insurance on them or they can well carry the loss, so they should just leave,i guess they will make a decision today.

we have had offers from around the world for help, from our friends in the USA,BRITAIN,JAPAN,TAIWAN,AUSTRALIA,this is for search and rescue, so that will be fantastic, it warms my heart to hear so many people want to help us little NZers at the bottom of the world.

There are still so many trapped, those poor ,poor people, it must be terrifying,let us pray for their safe recovery.

tHANKS everyone from the bottom of my heart for your caring, kind ,and supportive words, they mean a lot to me .

It affects everyone, as we all well know it could be us next time, and we feel so much for our fellow NZer's going through yet another, and worse ordeal than the first time.

My friends son is down there, she talked with him, last time he was like up spirited and said yeah we will be fine, but this time she could hear how anxious he was in his voice, also her husbands daughter is due to fly in today from indonesia, she is a doctor, so they will be needing her.

Anyhow that is all the update for now, will keep you all posted as i hear anything.

[mrspunkysmom]

Glad to hear that you and your family are okay. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[carole]

her is a map of NZ to give you all an idea where i live and how far away i am, i live in hamilton city,

Just texted my sister, they are staying another night in hamner, thank goodness, her husband is determined to go back to the motel and bring the guy some water, i can well understand wanting him to help where he can, we all have to pull together, i just have to hope and pray they will get in and out safely, they were extremely lucky to not have been in the CBD, they have to get lucky again, fingers and all paws crossed for their continued safety.

And to all the rescuers, people in christchurch,may you be safe.

[cassiesmom]

Carole, it's Tuesday afternoon in Chicago and I just came to this thread for an update. I'm glad your family is safe and I'll keep praying.

I heard on the news last night that the earth quake occurred in the middle of the day when there were lots of people in the buildings, and that over 60 people were killed and many (unknown numbers) still missing.

Samaritan's Purse already has an online donation site set up on their Web site. I know of them from church. I bet the Red Cross will, too if they don't already.

[carole]

yes you are correct, last time it was bigger but it was at night, so there were no deaths, sadly it was the middle of the day when everyone was at work ,shopping etc,it is indeed NZ's darkest day.

Yes i won't be relaxed or happy until my sister and hubby land in Auckland, i am worried that they are returning to the city, it is too scarey for me, i hope they are going to be ok.
UPDATE:
My sister and hubby got back in to the city, dropped the water off and got their stuff and left, said it was real bad, back to hamner springs, not sure on what their plans are from now on,,i do wish they would just come home..But i am so relieved, they are the lucky ones, unhurt and they can leave the city for good, not like the poor other ones left there to survive.

everytime i watch the television coverage, i just feel this emotion build up in me and burst in to tears, i can only imagine what it is like for them down there, horrendous.

55 are confirmed dead,20 unidentified bodies and 300 missing, so many trapped, too, this is a nightmare,OMG this is so bad.

we are also looking at 6 billion dollars to rebuild the city, that is going to take its toll on our already struggling economy, but for now we can only think about the people, they are all that matters right now.

[momcat]

Oh Carole, my heart breaks for everyone in New Zealand every time the news comes on. I'm a deacon in my church and plan to contact our interim pastor to organize a prayer vigil for all of you.
From your posts I can sense how upset and frightened you are. That's understandable. But please know you're not all alone. We're all here for you so don't hesitate to reach out to us. If there's anything I can do I'm only a pm away.
The positive thoughts and prayers continue :love:

[carole]

what a wonderful idea, please know on behalf of everyone in NZ, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts, all prayers are so appreciated, because to be honest i think everyone here , whether close by ,or far away, is scared and worried for all our fellow NZer's, yes the pics are horrifying and i still cannot quite believe this is happening to my people.

We are fortunate that we have so much help, from everywhere worldwide, and everyone is banding together to help in anyway they can, all the websites i have been on today are donating,food, money ,half their proceeds for the day, whatever they can, it is truly amazing.

My sister and hubby only have half a tank of petrol so are staying put in hamner springs, they are safe and have all amenities, so they are most fortunate,hoping more petrol to arrive from nelson tomorrow,not sure what they will do yet, but cannot get home as of yet.I think i will feel a bit more relaxed when i know they are home, in the mean time we just have to hope and pray no more big aftershocks.

One of the largest hotels looks like it is going to collaspe, this is major as the rescuers were in the building close by and have had to leave that area, as it is so dangerous, a real blow, not good news i am afraid.

[RICHARD]

Los Angeles County is sending a SAR (search and rescue) team to NZ.

This group is stationed less than one mile from my house and always feel a sense of pride when I see/hear about them going to places where they are needed...

http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_17462889?nclick_check=1

[carole]

And so you should Richard, the USA, Australia, everywhere have been fantastic, we are over whelmed by the generosity and kindness shown to us,it is truly amazing.

Words alone cannot express how we feel towards these wonderful people with expertise in the rescue fields and with special equipment etc.

The media coverage is ongoing in NZ, and we are still waiting for more miracles, sadly not happening at the moment, but we must never give up hope.

My sister is well away now in Blenheim, most of the accomodation is booked up everywhere, so they were lucky to get in, they fly out on sunday evening from christchurch, so fingers crossed all goes well, they changed their early morning flight, as they would have had to stayed the night in Christchurch and they don't want to be doing that.

Keep those prayers and good thoughts for our people coming, we need everything we can get, thanks everyone.

[wombat2u2004]

Hi Carole,
Iv'e been watching this disaster on TV the last couple of days, not much time here for PT tho, so I thought I'd pop in to see that you and yours are safe and sound. I'm relieved to hear that all is ok with you.
Prayers sent out from here to all affected by the quake.
Wom

[carole]

thanks mate, you aussies have been fantastic, we could not do without you, you have had your own fair share of natural disasters, and it is in times like these we know who our real friends are, thanks wom, we are all good, long way a way thank goodness, but yes still feel for our fellow nzer's going through this, we are united as people for sure.

[mrspunkysmom]

Los Angeles County is sending a SAR (search and rescue) team to NZ.

This group is stationed less than one mile from my house and always feel a sense of pride when I see/hear about them going to places where they are needed...

http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_17462889?nclick_check=1


I heard yesterday that Americans from FEMA were already there when the quake occurred due to a disaster conference of some sort. I feel the same as you, Richard. A sense of pride knowing we can help.

Carole, I continue to pray for y'all. At first the quake didn't register until I thought of your saying "land of the long white cloud" and I realized where I had seen that phrase.

As soon as someone points me in the right direction, I'll send some money.

[carole]

The red cross is the best place to donate money i think, They have online donations for UK and Australia but i could not find one for USA, sorry, i hope this helps you, some, thank you,that is a very wondeful gesture on your part, and so deeply appreciated, on behalf of all NZers thank you so very much.

[carole]

UPDATE;

sadly there have been no more rescues, the death toll is now officially 113 and rising, so so sad, two of them were little babies,it just breaks one's heart.

I am truly amazed and so proud of the kiwis around NZ, everyone is doing their bit to help, the offers coming in are just wonderful ,people are so kind, and without our overseas friends, i don't know where we would all be.

The rain is setting in , which is not good, so hopefully it will only be a few showers, here in Hamilton it is fine, i just wish the same for them.

of course we still have our bad people, the scum of the earth, who are out there stealing and some going around pretending to be officials and finding out what people have so they can go back and steal them, punishment for those types is not good enough,taking advantage of people's tragedy is just disgusting and makes me ashamed, however we have more great and good people thank god.

please continue with your prayers,everyone in Christchurch needs your support in any way you can offer, thank you on behalf of all kiwis.

[wombat2u2004]

I tried to contact an old Army mate of mine who lives there, haven't heard from him at all since the quake. I'm getting a bit concerned. His Mrs is a schoolteacher, so she would have been at work.
I wonder if the services for internet are down.

[phesina]

Prayers continue for all of you in New Zealand. I'm so glad that your family is safe, Carole.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[carole]

wom there is a people finder site, where you can type in their name and see what comes up, i will try and find the link ok.

Wom try this link and the very best of luck, hope your mate is ok and his family too.

http://news.msn.co.nz/article/8214829/person-finder-service-launched-after-christchurch-earthquake

my sister and hubby will be going back to christchurch after all and flying home sunday evening, so fingers and all paws crossed they get home safely.

[Catty1]

In 1972, when my sister and I were teenagers, our family went to New Zealand. We travelled so much of the island, and the furthest south we went was Christchurch.

I still remember how very beautiful it was, and especially the church.

Mom and I are just heartsick, yet Mom remembers how tough the Kiwis are.

There aren't enough hugs in the universe to send to you and your countrymen, Carole...but I send all I can.:love:

[carole]

Thanks Candace, that is so sweet of you, there was another big jolt around 6pm 4.4, this is a worry,please keep those prayers a coming, yes we kiwis are tough when the going gets hard, but then what nation isn't.

I also saw there was an earthquake in Hawaii,but no reports of injuries or damage, i hope they continue to be luckier than we were.

This is a city destroyed really,and yes candace it was indeed a beautiful place,long time since i have been down that way, but i remember it well, it is so sad, but the loss of life is the saddest, we can rebuild our city , but we can never get back those loved ones to their families.

we have the love and support of many,our friends of the USA as well,it means more than words can say.

p.s please keep a thought for all the poor displaced pets out there, many took off as a result of the quake, and are lost, people are posting adverts trying to find them, poor wee things, so frightened.

[davidpizzica]

Carole, I pray for those who have lost their lives in this earthquake and their families who are grieving for them. Carole, there is a Pittsburgh connection in this quake, a young college student who lived about three miles from Concordia managed to survive this terrible earthquake and has been sending back reports to our local media about the quake.

[sasvermont]

Even before reading this thread, I sent money to NZ Red Cross via the internet. I sent $25 and it converted to $18.70 USD. I encourage everyone/anyone to dig deep, if possible.
:love::love::love: to NZ!

[wombat2u2004]

wom there is a people finder site, where you can type in their name and see what comes up, i will try and find the link ok.

Wom try this link and the very best of luck, hope your mate is ok and his family too.

http://news.msn.co.nz/article/8214829/person-finder-service-launched-after-christchurch-earthquake

my sister and hubby will be going back to christchurch after all and flying home sunday evening, so fingers and all paws crossed they get home safely.

Thanks mate, I'll check that out.
I notice a few others have also left messages on his Facebook page, but no answer yet if he's ok.

[carole]

david that is wonderful news that he survived and can report back what is happening, there was another rather big jolt of 4.4 this morning, oh i so wish they would stop, and not be so big, so scarey for all down there.

sasvermont THANK YOU so very much from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all NZer's,your kindness is so appreciated.

Oh Wom i sure hope you find your friend, so worrying for you, prayers he is ok.

My sister was just saying the gardens they visited ,which were one's told her to go see have been hit really badly, they were in sumner, thank god my sister was not there or in the CBD when it struck, they are still flying out on sunday from Christchurch, so please prayers they return home safely would be so appreciated, i don't think i can relax until they are home again.

Sadly there have been no more rescues, we are all hoping for some miracles, but they don't look like they are going to happen.

I gave some money today in store, and will also donate via my mobile phone, and i have some auctions on trade me(llike ebay), which if i sell will be sending to the red cross.

I would like to do more,but not sure what i can do, i was reading on trademe all the offers of homes, rooms been given by the Kiwis, it was really great, so many people from all over nz offering their homes, holiday homes , etc for free, and many offering to take in animals, as well, catterys and kennels offering to board animals for free or reduced cost,fantastic.

If only i had room in my own home, i certainly would be offering as well.

Thanks everyone for your continued support, kind words, and caring, means a lot.

[Pinot's Mom]

Carole, prayers continue, I feel so badly for the people going through this; it just seems so ongoing. :(

[davidpizzica]

david that is wonderful news that he survived and can report back what is happening, there was another rather big jolt of 4.4 this morning, oh i so wish they would stop, and not be so big, so scarey for all down there.

sasvermont THANK YOU so very much from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all NZer's,your kindness is so appreciated.

Oh Wom i sure hope you find your friend, so worrying for you, prayers he is ok.

My sister was just saying the gardens they visited ,which were one's told her to go see have been hit really badly, they were in sumner, thank god my sister was not there or in the CBD when it struck, they are still flying out on sunday from Christchurch, so please prayers they return home safely would be so appreciated, i don't think i can relax until they are home again.

Sadly there have been no more rescues, we are all hoping for some miracles, but they don't look like they are going to happen.

I gave some money today in store, and will also donate via my mobile phone, and i have some auctions on trade me(llike ebay), which if i sell will be sending to the red cross.

I would like to do more,but not sure what i can do, i was reading on trademe all the offers of homes, rooms been given by the Kiwis, it was really great, so many people from all over nz offering their homes, holiday homes , etc for free, and many offering to take in animals, as well, catterys and kennels offering to board animals for free or reduced cost,fantastic.

If only i had room in my own home, i certainly would be offering as well.

Thanks everyone for your continued support, kind words, and caring, means a lot.

Carole, she is a young lady, about as old as Melissa.

[carole]

Oh David, i cannot imagine if i lost my melissa, i am so happy she survived to tell the story, bless her, let he know all Nzers are thinking of everyone in the quake not just the kiwis.

I have donated some cans of food and noodles today, and will sent donation via text for the animals and the people today when i top up my phone.

sasvermont ar you able to put the link up to where you donated, incase any others here wish to, they need money more than anything apparently,remember american dollars are worth more here, anything at all will help, thanks.

[cassiesmom]

After "The Amazing Race" last night, Phil Keoghan (sp?) announced that he is from Christchurch, NZ and that he would be there talking to people and giving an update on the rescue efforts for the CBS Early Show. "The Amazing Race" was in Australia on last night's show but I don't know how long ago it was recorded. I like "The Amazing Race" because I get to see parts of the world on that show that I'll never see in person.

I donated through Samaritan's Purse because I know of them from my church. I didn't even think to go directly to the Red Cross of New Zealand. Wish I had and wish there was more I could do. I'll keep praying too.

And a candle
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=12785795

[carole]

A huge thank you cassiesmom, i don't think it matters where you donate, they will get it i am sure, yes i saw Phil on the Tv this morning, his parents run a Bed and Breakfast in Rolleston, which if my memory is correct is out of Christchurch, they have been sleeping on the floor to accomodate people, great stuff.

Phil sure has picked up an american accent, still here a twang of kiwi in there ,but not much,but then he probably has been living over there for some years now.

They mostly want MONEY, as sending goods etc, they just don't have the people to sort it all out.

The region is still having continous aftershocks, which is to be expected, the last one 3.9, it must be just terrible living with this all the time, and they have been doing that for the last five months as well.

There has been an outbreak of gastroenteritis, but it is only small ,nothing to be concerned about, let us hope it stays that way.

Everyone worldwide has been just amazing, we kiwis are just so grateful,words alone cannot express our gratitude.

[cassiesmom]

Carole, I was just thinking -- the stories from Japan have been on the news every day; New Zealand, not so much. How are things there? Is the business district getting back up on its feet?

[Karen]

I saw just a couple days ago a memorial service being held for the victims in Christchurch, such a sad time for the western part of the Pacific Rim.

[moosmom]

Dear Carole,

You've been in my thoughts and prayers since this all came about. I am SO relieved that you and your family are okay. I couldn't send much, but I was able to scrape up $20. It's something and comes from my heart.

:love::love:

Donna and furkids

[carole]

Thank you for asking, yes well things are going ok, they have got most people with power, water etc now, it is still on the news here, but of course Japan's tragic events have been the headlines now, we still feel for those poor people, ours was devastating, and not to minimize it at all, but we are lucky in comparison, but i am sure those who have lost loved ones, their livelihoods, homes are not feeling lucky at all.

It will take some time for things to be back to normal, they had a 5.1 aftershock just the other day, that is scarey,we just have to hope and pray for things to improve, certainly not a very stable place to be, Christchurch also lost the chance to host the world rugby cup, which does not seem anything,but it would have boosted the city quite some financially and morally, however it was just not to be.



on a lighter note:
About Phil, yes he sure has a mixed accent, but to us more american, shame he chose to loose his kiwi one, but then i have no idea how long he has lived there,i must admit the american accent is so pleasing to my ears, i probably would too if i lived there, i am sucker for the american accent, just love it.LOL

Oh and Donna, thank you so very much on behalf of all kiwis, you are such a sweetie to give, i know finances are tough for you, and just remember your american dollars are worth more here, it is very generous of you and everyone else who donated to NZer's and so much appreciated, every dollar counts, we have sent people to Japan , as they did here for us, and i will also donate what i can to them, as we sure know how it feels.