More than 150 Red Cross volunteers from across New Zealand have poured into Christchurch to support thousands of people affected by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the South Island city on Tuesday.
98 people have been confirmed dead and there are serious concerns for another 226 still missing, presumed buried in the rubble. Urban Search and Rescue teams from New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Japan and the UK are using sensors and sniffer dogs to locate people, but no one has been found alive in the debris since yesterday. It is feared that up to 120 people may be buried in the rubble of the Canterbury TV (CTV) building.
Police today confirmed that a five-month and a nine-month-old baby were among the dead.
New Zealand’s darkest day
“This is New Zealand’s worst disaster, it’s heartbreaking,” said New Zealand Red Cross Chief Executive John Ware. “The death toll is expected to rise significantly and thousands of people have been affected. Christchurch city centre is in ruins and most of the city is without power and water”. More than 150 aftershocks have rocked the city since Tuesday, 34 of them between magnitude 4 and 6.
Aftershocks are expected to continue for at least the next few days, hampering rescue efforts and keeping the danger level high.
Christchurch’s tallest building, the Grand Chancellor Hotel, is lopsided and threatening to collapse. “It’s still a very dangerous situation for all concerned,” said Mr Ware. “The people of Christchurch need our support like never before. It’s a stressful and harrowing time but we will keep a clear head and focus on what we do well. We will not let them down,” said Mr Ware.
Help for the homeless
The New Zealand Red Cross is playing a critical role. A specially-trained team of New Zealand Red Cross volunteers is supporting the international search and rescue effort, and more volunteers are looking after the 1,000 people who have been displaced from their homes and housed in five welfare centres across the city.
The Red Cross is also registering the details of people affected by the quake on a national database, and is checking on residents in their homes as part of Operation Suburb’s door-to-door outreach. They have been supported by a team of Red Cross volunteers from Australia.
“A number of our Christchurch volunteers were themselves affected by the quake. Their homes were damaged and many of them know people who are missing. They selflessly have put the needs of others ahead of their own concerns. Our volunteers are an inspiration,” said Mr. Ware.
The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal has been launched to support those affected by the earthquake.
Donations to this appeal can be made at www.redcross.org.nz/donate.
Australian Red Cross and British Red Cross have also launched national appeals.
For enquiries about missing people contact the Call Centre on 0800 RED CROSS from within New Zealand.
From outside New Zealand people should call: +64 7 850 2199 or email familylinks@redcross.org.nz