Prime Minister John Key today launched the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in the city and the Canterbury region.
"It's vital we reach as many people throughout the world as possible who want to help," he said.
"This isn't just New Zealand's tragedy - the February 22 earthquake affected countless people internationally."
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/...
Donations can be made:
here
I don't hardly ever agree with his politics but I think he is handling this tragedy very well. He has been down to Christchurch almost everyday since the quake hit.
Here is his terrific speech he made the other day:
In other news today Police have said that some victims may never be identifed due to "horrebus injuries". I don't even want to know what that means. But they stress that they are doing everything they can to get loved ones back to their familes. It is just too sad for words. The not knowing of the families has to be the worst.
Mayor Bob Parker said said 6,500 homes had been checked off by search and rescue teams, out of a total of 50,000. He said the number of teams would be doubled on Monday.
It was estimated 62,500 people were still without water, 100,000 had no sewerage services, and 30,000 homes were without power.
Parker said around 100,000 fliers would be issued in Christchurch's damaged eastern suburbs today, containing key contact numbers and information.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/...
A two-minute silence would be held on Tuesday at 1251 local time (2351 GMT Monday), a week after the quake struck.
State housing tenants in Christchurch's worst-affected suburbs to get a three-week rent freeze (may be extended longer)
The wife of the man who had both his legs amputated after the quake has thanked his rescuers for saving his life.
Brian Coker is in a stable condition in Waikato Hospital. His legs were amputated half an hour after Tuesday's quake, as he lay trapped under a concrete beam in the PGC building. Today his wife Helen expressed the family's gratitude to his rescuers.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/...
New Zealand and Christchurch needs all the help it can get. We are a small country with a small economy.
Found this sad video:
They are still missing.
Updated by GlowNZ at Sat Feb 26, 2011, 11:03:37 PM
Death toll stands at 146 with about 200 missing. That is 200 families not knowing what has happened to them. That is 146 families knowing they will never see them again. In a small city of Christchurch that is huge. In a small COUNTRY like New Zealand, it is huge.
There is something amazing going on. Its called the Student Army. Thousands of students from all over the region and beyond have organised themselves into a group to help the people of Christchurch:
Here is their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/...
A look inside the damaged Cathedral:
Updated by GlowNZ at Sat Feb 26, 2011, 11:36:44 PM
The death toll has just revised up one to 147. There has been no live rescue for three days.