Most of us will have friends and relatives that have suffered losses in Christchurch.
I’ve been following events since 6am on National Radio – what a great service.
I haven’t tied up cell phone lines talking to Chch colleagues because they have more important uses. And colleagues have more important things to do.
This post is not to be used to attack the government. Today is a day for sympathy and practical suggestions.
Later on we can assess how the system worked.
Tell you what, its certainly an interesting way to wake up…tell the truth its not so bad here but my cats have gone missing, no doubt they’ll be back when they’re hungry
Very sad indeed
I hope they sort the old people and stuff out 
This is why we need to put in the effort day after day to build strong communities, so when stuff like this happens they are resilient and can pull together to help each person out.
I heard on the tv bulletin that the little things they did to buildings over the years helped some stuff not fall off.
I just hope that ALL politicians stay out of it and let the REAL experts get on with responding, analysing, rebuilding etc.
And the pandemic planning appears to have come in useful with handling the disaster.
@ Anisazi. Too late. John Key is on his way. Well, as long as he confines himself to laying hands on the injured, then he won’t be too much of a nuisance.
Funny you should say that Loota because my neighbours have been great this morning and we’ve been good to them. Cleaning up all the crap bubbling up through the ground, turning off mains power and water just after the main quake, checking on elderly neighbours, searching for missing pets, tea, coffee and much more. No doubt though you’ll try to turn this into John Key’s Katrina/GW Bush type incident.
Perhaps Clayton Cosgrove could pop by and suggest some ways to fix up my rooted driveway, conservatory, check foundations etc… For the record, I am insured.
Simon, it doesnt matter what our political leanings Kiwis wont let happen, what happened with Katrina. I may not agree with National Policys, but they are all still Kiwis, they will do the right thing.
I know alot of Coasters will happily take Cantabs in if its not sorted quickly.
Just wish there was something we could do right now from over this side of the hill.
That earthquake woke me up this morning. I live 2 hours south of Christchurch. It was quiet a violet shake (more like wave). I haven’t felt anything like that for a while now.
Nothing has been damage where we are but were lucky that it wasn’t any stronger.
It felt like I was standing on a water bed! And the cat went nuts
I think where lucky as no lives were lost and very few injuries. Still, some parts of Christchurch look like a war zone.
I hope this can be fixed quickly and people can get back on with there lifes.
The earthquake woke me up in Thorndon – I live on the fourth floor of a building, though, so it would be more noticeable. I’ve made a mental note to put together a disaster preparedness kit as advised on http://www.getthru.govt.nz
So far I think its been a very good response. Impressed with the people of CCh and those in charge of this emergency. Now is not the time to score points politically.
I meant practicing community spirit, resilience and cohesion day in day out, not just when there is a major disaster
Big ups to the people of Christchurch for pulling together and the rescue teams who have been working hard
!
Hello, is there anybody out there?
(With apologies to Pink Floyd)
Its great to see the Cantabs pulling together and of coarse the Government will do the right thing it would not matter if this was a Labour led Government or a National lead one. This isn’t America and I would not expect a NZ Government to do anything else but help the people regardless of who the region votes for.
On the plus side the regions trades people will get a welcome boost. Ironic really but this will force increased spending in the economy.
Awesome that no lives have been lost.
Radio communication being one of the most important tools. AM Radio receivers are more widespread than FM. Serious consideration of any downgrading of AM with its longer range, is needed.
Cell phone sites appear to have inadequate battery back up to be relied upon. Perhaps some regulation to cover this is needed.
The early morning event may have been very different at another time of day.
We are all in the same boat really and hospital load may have been very different. Our health system priority is much too low.
Excellent points John W .
Really brings home how fragile life is…
Is there anywhere we can donate..? To the Mayoral fund I heard mentioned on the news..? Can an MP get this info please..?
The hits just keep on coming, the mired economy, the tradegies in Fielding, the SCF collapse, the quake and this horrible plane crash… I believe in NZ and our ingenuity, we’ll make it through these issues and be much stronger for them – despite our differences…
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