Last September 3 of 2010, Christchurch New Zealand had a devastating 7.1 earthquake in it's city. The city worked very hard to get through the disaster and the damaged it received. The city didn't cry or demand the world give it public assistance.
http://lasvegasbadger.blogspot.com/2011/01/tale-of-two-countries.html
Well, today, the city has suffered a less powerful but far more deadly earthquake, with as many 65 people dying in the quake.
From a local Christchurch newspaper: An earthquake in Christchurch has claimed at least 65 lives, and scores more are injured in what Prime Minister John Key says "may well be New Zealand's darkest day".
Key tonight confirmed that at least 65 people were dead after the shallow 6.3 earthquake, which hit 10km southeast of the city just before 1pm. That quake has been followed by constant aftershocks, as powerful as magnitude 5.7.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told TVNZ that figure could double.
Buildings have been destroyed, with an unknown number of people trapped inside, with rescuers saying some people would remain trapped overnight.
Parker said up to 25 buildings of significant size in the city were probably damaged beyond repair.
Civil Defence director John Hamilton said the death toll was expected to climb.
Hospitals around the South Island were being cleared to take the hundreds of casualties expected, while makeshift hospitals were being set up in parts of Christchurch.
"This is a big problem. Far worse in casualties than the 4th of September, largely because it happened at a different time of the day," Hamilton said.
"Everybody was at work, it was lunchtime and people were in the streets and we've got to be realistic about it, but we don't want to go over the top at this stage. I think we've got to be prepared to accept that there is going to be quite a heavy toll."
Up to 500 people have set up for the night in Hagley Park, where they will be spending the night. http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/4688231/65-dead-in-Christchurch-quake
If President has not offered yet, he needs to offer rescue specialists that specialize in earthquake rescues to New Zealand. I would hope Obama has offered and if he hasn't, shame on him. I will with hold judgement until I find out more. But so far, there has been no information on the State Department web site or the White House web site regarding the quake. This is very pathetic on the part of the U.S. government.
So, please keep the people in Christchurch, new Zealand in your prayers. They are going through their Job moment.
I'm not quite sure if the US government is involved, but I do know that we (NZ) are getting help from Australia and the US :)
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