Not a good day today.
For those in the northern hemisphere, you may not no that Christchurch has been hit with another earthquake. Centred just 5kms down, under the city , registering 6.3 One of New Zealand's most beautiful city's lies in ruins, As I wright this the death toll stands at 65, and is expected to climb. For a little country this will hit us hard. And I feel very emotional about it . I have friends down there that I can not get hold of, power, phones are all down.
The last earthquake on the 4th September was bigger but deeper, and because it happened at four thirty in the morning we were lucky there was no loss of life, sadly to days one happened at lunch time. The cost of the last quake was estimated at 7 billion, the cost of this one is peoples lives...
You are probably well aware how much I love this country, and I am just gutted. We are a resourceful bunch us kiwis, we will get through it....but man I feel for the people down there tonight. I am not normally prone to emotional out bursts, but today is an exception.
Update: Wednesday 6.30am
Thank you every one for you thoughts and prayers. I have still not heard from my friends. Just have to wait, The Aussies search and rescue teams have arrived, so grateful to you fellas. The Americans are also sending help. once again thanks. Christchurch resembles something from a war movie. It is raining also. It is hard when it is so close to home, they are pulling survivors out still from the collapsed buildings. The Triumph Rat Raid was in CH CH this weekend, I was going to go, but had to pull out at last minute. I believe it will be cancelled. CH CH airport also still closed except to emergency aircraft. Hospitals in Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington and other cities have been receiving patients. This is very big for a little country. There are some amazing stories of survival coming out, but also of tragedy. Nine month old Jaden was killed when a TV fell on him during the quake. Just gut wrenching for me.
Update: Wednesday 6.30am
Thank you every one for you thoughts and prayers. I have still not heard from my friends. Just have to wait, The Aussies search and rescue teams have arrived, so grateful to you fellas. The Americans are also sending help. once again thanks. Christchurch resembles something from a war movie. It is raining also. It is hard when it is so close to home, they are pulling survivors out still from the collapsed buildings. The Triumph Rat Raid was in CH CH this weekend, I was going to go, but had to pull out at last minute. I believe it will be cancelled. CH CH airport also still closed except to emergency aircraft. Hospitals in Auckland, Dunedin, Wellington and other cities have been receiving patients. This is very big for a little country. There are some amazing stories of survival coming out, but also of tragedy. Nine month old Jaden was killed when a TV fell on him during the quake. Just gut wrenching for me.
I read of it on the internet. CNN and others seem to be occupied with the protests (and murder) in Libya, which I hope turns out well in favor of the Libyan people.
ReplyDeleteNew Zealand is in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you hear good news from your friends. Stay safe Roger.
- Mary Ann
My heart breaks every time I watch such tragedies unfold on our news shows. I'm very sorry for your loss as you and your fellow countrymen try to sort out the damage. My thoughts and prayers are with Christchurch and her people today... God bless.
ReplyDeleteAs I turned on the computer the news of the Quake greeted me. A dark day indeed. I hope as communication improves you find your friends and that they are safe.
ReplyDelete~Keith
Oh Roger! I'm so sorry to hear! This is horrible news. Earthquakes are so difficult: to search through and to clean up after. Have hope. Good thoughts. I hope your friends are OK and you will hear from them soon. I'm sending good thoughts your way.
ReplyDelete-Lori
So sorry to hear about this.
ReplyDeleteI'm saddened to hear there was loss of life. I saw a brief bit on the news last night, but hadn't heard if anyone was hurt or killed. The damage looked significant. Keeping all New Zealanders in my thoughts today.
You, and your country are my prayers Roger.
ReplyDeleteThank you every one, It is heartening to know that we are in your prayers and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMany people can still be reached and rescued. Have hope. We are hoping and thinking fir you and your countrymen.
ReplyDeleteI heard about this last night and hope that my NZ motobloggers are all right.
ReplyDeleteKiwis are tough and will pull together, but I'm sending good thoughts your way just the same.
Our thoughts are with you and your friends Roger. We have a fellow Corvallis rider in NZ right now, but he emailed and is safe on the north island.
ReplyDeleteTake care and I hope that you receive word from your friends soon.
Roger, thinking of your friends.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a tough time. The one good thing is that Kiwis are resilient and more importantly, care deeply about one another in times of adversity so there will be all the support they need to get through the first stages. It's the rebuilding with winter approaching in a few months where the real help and support will be needed.
Trobairitz: If your Corvallis friend comes anywhere near the Coromandel Peninsula, normal Kiwi hospitality applies re: food and accommodation. My email address is on the blogsite.
Thanks for all your good wishes.
Roger, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Christchurch, I saw it on the news and it's devastating. I hope you hear from your friends soon and that they are all safe and okay.
ReplyDeleteTHank you every body , have just heard from my friends in Christchurch, and they are fine, a bit shaken up, and nerves are frassled with all the after shocks. Death toll is now 75, so not good still people trapped.
ReplyDeleteWorking for a Kiwi company that has hit close to home. I had learned about this on the German news. Horrible, I don't find words to describe how saddened I am by this. I hope that all you're loved ones are safe out there.
ReplyDeleteSonja, THanks. Thanks to every one. THe death toll contiues to rise, it is gonna be a long road back from this. All of NZ is in shock and pulling together.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate everyones comments, and thoughts.
Absolutely horrific down there. Glad your friends are ok. I have relatives who are also ok. Doing our best at work to support (3 truck loads of milk on it's way and 2 more tomorrow at least). The wider Fonterra doing great work too, tankers and trains getting water into Chch, Emergency response teams sent and lots of UHT milk too.
ReplyDeleteThose on Twitter, keep an eye on #eqnz. Lots of info.