As you will be aware, at 1:51 pm on Tuesday, February 22, New Zealand’s second largest city of Christchurch was hit by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake, centred near the Port of Lyttelton, approximately 10 km south-east of Christchurch City. The ’quake brought down buildings in the city’s central business district, killing some people instantly and trapping others in the rubble. Sixty percent of the port town of Lyttelton has also been demolished, again with loss of life. So far, 75 are confirmed dead, and some 300 are reported missing. The Government has declared a national state of emergency.
So far there are no reported casualties or missing among our brothers and sisters, though several had narrow escapes. Many have had their homes rendered unliveable, mainly due to the now all-too-familiar liquefaction problems due to homes being built on reclaimed or previously swampy ground.
The two circuit overseers who serve Christchurch have contacted all of the coordinators of the bodies of elders to gather information and to relay directions from the Branch Office. A Disaster Relief Committee, comprising travelling overseers and local elders has been set up to see that all needs are met. Some 80% of households are without clean drinking water, because of sewerage contamination. This has affected the usability of three Kingdom Halls.
The worst-hit suburbs are east of the city—especially Ferrymead, Redcliffs, Sumner, and the hillside suburbs: St Andrews Hill, Canon Hill, Monks Spur, Clifton and Scarborough—and several Witnesses there have lost their homes.
Here in Kaiapoi we got off relatively lightly—certainly faring a lot better this time than was the case back in September when there was a much deeper 7.1 quake further out of the city. The main thing is that all the friends are safe. Some properties that were damaged last year have some added damage, but nothing major it would seem. Our Kingdom Hall is usable, so we are making it available to other congregations to hold meetings as required.
I will try and do updates when there is more to report.
David
Dear Brothers:
The earthquake that struck Christchurch early Tuesday afternoon, February 22, 2011, has had a devastating impact on the city and its inhabitants. With the continuing rise in the number of fatalities, the loss experienced by many individuals and families is truly heart rending.
Within hours of the earthquake, the New Zealand Branch Committee established a Disaster Relief Committee in Christchurch, comprising travelling overseers and local congregation elders. The committee immediately set about establishing communication with the 12 congregations in the region directly impacted by the earthquake.
Within 24 hours of the disaster striking, the relief committee has reported that there has been no serious injury to any of our brothers, and none are listed among the missing or among those confirmed to have died. We join with our earth-wide brotherhood in a collective sigh of relief at hearing such news.
As with the September earthquake, superficial and structural damage has been sustained to the homes of many brothers, and not a few have had to relocate to other homes among family and friends in Christchurch or other regions. Although escaping serious damage, Kingdom Halls in the region are being inspected and repaired. However, until water services can be restored, three of the Kingdom Halls cannot be used. In the meantime, the relief committee is helping local bodies of elders to arrange and synchronise regular congregation meetings.
As expected, the relief committee is also focusing on the immediate spiritual and emotional needs of the brothers. As can only be imagined by those not enduring the experience, this disastrous earthquake and its numerous aftershocks heighten and compound anxiety and worry. Even those who live in expectation of natural disasters in this time of the end are not immune to the anxious feelings that will arise. How glad we are to have Jehovah, “the God of all comfort,” to turn to at times like this.—2 Cor. 1:3-7; Phil. 4:6.
With an expression of warmest regards and best wishes, we remain,
Your brothers,
http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/16003898/295149066/name/CON-20110223-E.pdf
