It is a big event for New Zealand.
All this is on top of a Quake in September in the same area more or less that destroyed some building in the CBD and many houses were damaged beyond repair. Infrastructure (power, roads, sewage and water) was also damaged.
At present we have USAR teams from around the world including the US here. They are most welcome. Essentially the CBD in Christchurch has been severely damaged with large buildings collapsing. Many of those buildings contained people. There is more damage to the surrounding housing areas with many homes condemned. Roads have collapsed and holes have appeared. Water is in short supply and is being trucked in. Power has been restored in some areas. Toilet and sewerage systems have been damaged. A large cordon has been established around the CBD while the USAR teams go to work. No survivors were located today. 145 confirmed dead ( recovered ). 200 + persons have been reported missing. 1/3 of the CBD is to be demolished. Local police numbers have been boosted by the arrival of several hundred Australian police staff. Students have turned out with shovels and wheelbarrows; they have gone to the suburbs and are assisting with the removal of the Liquefaction that covers the ground. Many of those not affected are assisting with cooking hot meals and they are being choppered in and served hot. Mostly those who can help are helping where and how they can. Money is being donated. Large companies are stepping up. It seems all NZ is stepping up. The international community has stepped up as well. Life changed in minutes for many. It’s very thought provoking.
