Salvation Army in New Zealand Responds After Earthquake Brings Destruction

by Salvation Army
Categories: Newswire
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The Salvation Army in New Zealand is responding after the city of Christchurch was hit by a huge earthquake on Tuesday, February 22. This is the second major earthquake to affect the city in less than six months. At least 65 people are known to have been killed and hundreds are trapped in the debris.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck at 12.51 pm local time, causing structural damage and total destruction to buildings. Vehicles were crushed by falling debris. Medical triage centres have been established around the city and the mayor of Christchurch has declared a state of emergency.
By late afternoon The Salvation Army was assisting more than 1,000 people at a welfare site established near the inner city at Hagley Park. Shocked and grief-stricken locals are temporarily being housed in large marquees that were already on site for a flower show.

Major Rex Cross, emergency services coordinator for The Salvation Army in Christchurch, said that The Salvation Army called its emergency response teams together. Catering supplies have been organized for around 1,500 people, says Major Cross, giving assurance that ‘food is on its way and people will be fed’.
The Salvation Army’s community ministry centre in Christchurch has been severely damaged, with significant damage to Christchurch City Corps (Salvation Army church). The Salvation Army’s South Island headquarters has also been affected.

He adds: ‘You just cannot imagine the enormity of this [quake] compared to the first one.’

The Salvation Army was involved in the initial response to last year’s earthquake and has continued to assist with welfare and psychosocial support.

The Salvation Army stands ready to continue to help the city in this terrible time of great grief and human need.