massive aftershock earthquake in christchurch NZ..6.3

[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

[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

[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/californi...nclick_check=1