cisselt posted on February 23, 2011 11:39
New Zealand Red Cross Responds after Major Earthquake
NZ Red Cross has not yet requested international assistance
WASHINGTON, DC February 22 - At 12.51 pm (NZDT) today, February 22, 2011, the South Island of New Zealand was struck by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake hit at a depth of 5km (shallow) and is reported to be an aftershock of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake, which struck the same area on September 4, 2010. The epicenter of the earthquake was about 10km southeast of the city of Christchurch (population 340,000). The earthquake has been followed by several aftershocks ranging between 4.5 to 5.7 magnitudes. The death toll has reached 65 and is expected to rise. There is widespread damage throughout Christchurch, including collapsed buildings in the center of the city and damage to roads and bridges. Electricity supplies have been cut to about half of the city and Christchurch airport is closed.
The New Zealand Red Cross has activated its national emergency operations center at their national office in Wellington. Response teams from the Christchurch and Timaru branches are on the ground working in Christchurch now, with teams from Nelson and Blenheim on their way. Dunedin, Queenstown, Invercargill and West Coast teams are all due to arrive tomorrow morning to assist. The Red Cross teams are working with Civil Defense, New Zealand Police, the local councils and agencies to assess the needs and determine how the Red Cross can best assist. One evacuation center has been opened for approximately 2,000 people.
The New Zealand Red Cross has provided first aid assistance and has distributed blankets to the displaced families. It has started national restoring family linking activities, and a telecommunications team is being deployed to Christchurch and will be operational tomorrow morning. The Australian Red Cross will provide some bilateral assistance based on the existing agreements with the New Zealand Red Cross.
As of now, the New Zealand Red Cross has not asked for international assistance, and the American Red Cross has not made plans to fundraise or communicate specifically for this disaster. By tomorrow morning the New Zealand Red Cross will provide more information on whether international assistance will be needed. We'll update you as our role and status changes.
Abi Weaver
Senior Communications Officer
National American Red Cross, International Services
About the American Red Cross
Governed by volunteers and supported by giving individuals and communities, the American Red Cross is the single largest supplier of blood products to hospitals throughout the United States. While local hospital needs are always met first, the Red Cross also helps ensure no patient goes without blood no matter where or when they need it. In addition to providing nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross provides relief to victims of disaster, trains millions in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.
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