Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

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bryanl
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Dec 25, 2010 4:50 am

Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by bryanl »

History repeated itself today with another large earthquake hitting Christchurch, NZ, following on from the davastation from the quake in 2010. Sadly this time the human cost has been significant with already 65 people confirmed dead and many more injured and trapped in callapsed buildings. (The toll will rise futher tomorrow).

Our thoughts and prayers go out to not only Livingston desendants in Christchurch, but to all those involved and affected in this tragedy.

Please join me and all other New Zealand Livingstons to send a message of support to our brothers and sisters in Christchurch in New Zealand.

Bryan Livingston
Auckland, New Zealand.
Greg Livingston
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Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:42 pm
Location: Ankeny, IA, USA

Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by Greg Livingston »

Joyce and I are also praying for those affected by the earthquake and their relatives.
Greg Livingston
Clan Commissioner
Northglenn, Colorado, USA
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Kyle MacLea
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Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by Kyle MacLea »

The Clan MacLea (Livingstone) Society is thinking of and praying for our clansmen, brethren, and all New Zealanders affected by this tragic earthquake. Bryan and all those on the ground in NZ--please pass this word that we are with you and will provide any aid we can to those in Christchurch and beyond. We hope the rescuers are able to pull as many people from the rubble as possible in the next hours and days.

I hope that Kaye and others in NZ are all well. Any NZ members of the Forum, please check in so we know you are okay!

Kyle=
Kyle S. MacLea
Clan Society Life Member; DNA Project Co-Admin
New Hampshire, USA
kyle -dot- maclea -at- gmail -dot- com
bryanl
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Joined: Sat Dec 25, 2010 4:50 am

Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by bryanl »

There is sad news starting to emerg that amoung the New Zealand victims are nationals from Ireland and Japan.

International help has been amazing with search teams from UK, USA, Thailand, Japan, Australia all on the ground working alongside the NZ emergency services. Thank you to you all.

The toll continues to rise with around 75 confirmed dead, but with a further 200 - 300 still unaccounted for this number is likely to climb.

Christchurch is NZ's biggest city in the South Island. To give you an idea of the scale of damage, 80% of homes are without water. Power is still out for approx 40% of homes, and there is talk of the entire central business district will need to be demolished and rebuilt.

For the first time ever in New Zealand the Prime Minister has declared a National State of Emergency as a result of this earthquake.

It is truely amazing to see the country rally to help. Our emergency teams are doing an awesome job and people from all araound New Zealand are contributing to the rescue effort. Small stories emerg which make you feel proud to be a New Zealander.....like to two men who wanted to help so they drove 8 hours overnight to Christchurch and set up a bbq to cook breakfast for the emergency teams- a small gesture but this willingness to help in any way possible reinforces the spirit and values of the people who live in this wonderful country.
Canadian Livingstone
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Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by Canadian Livingstone »

Hello Bryan,

I am very sorry to hear about the terrible disaster which has occured in New Zealand and the loss of life. It must be comforting to see the world community lending a helping hand during this crisis. A rock concert should be organized in Great Britain with New Zealand's Crowded House and other New Zealand, Australian, British, Canadian and American Bands with proceeds going to disaster relief. Our thoughts and prayers are with your Livingston family and all the people of New Zealand.

regards,

Donald (Livingstone) Clink
Historian
Clan Maclea Livingstone Society
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Kyle MacLea
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Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by Kyle MacLea »

Hi Bryan,

Thanks for keeping us updated. That is truly tragic and at once heartwarming. Please keep the updates coming, also as things get back to the 'new normal.' We appreciate hearing from you about this!

Kyle=
Kyle S. MacLea
Clan Society Life Member; DNA Project Co-Admin
New Hampshire, USA
kyle -dot- maclea -at- gmail -dot- com
bryanl
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Dec 25, 2010 4:50 am

Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by bryanl »

Sadly, authorities have just updated the toll is now 98 with a further 248 reported missing.

Thank you all for you well wishes and messages of support. It means a lot for us here in New Zealand to hear such kind messages from our friends throughout NZ and around the world.

God bless,

Bryan Livingston
Jill Richmond
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Location: Galloway, S.W Scotland

Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by Jill Richmond »

Dear Bryan,

My husband and I have watched in horror the unfolding tragedy in Christchurch. This is just to send you and all the good people in Christchurch, and throughout New Zealand, who have lost or had loved ones injured in the 'quake our profound sympathy. You are all very much in our thoughts and prayers.

Jill
Jill Richmond
bryanl
Posts: 13
Joined: Sat Dec 25, 2010 4:50 am

Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by bryanl »

unfortunately I dont have any miracle stories to post. The last person rescued was on Wednesday, so we have now started the recovery phase.

123 people have been confirmed dead, but to toll will grow now that we have entered the new phase. Still over 200 people are missing, so this will probably go down in history as New Zealand biggest peacetime disaster.

On a more positive note, the country has rallied well to support those affected. International help has been accepted and these teams are doing a wonderful job to support the NZ emergency teams.

I attended a small rural fair west of auckland today and fundraising to help those in chch was the main drive. Well done folks...Every little bit helps!
Kaye Saunders
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Location: Dunedin, New Zealand

Re: Our thoughts are with those in Christchurch NZ

Post by Kaye Saunders »

Finally I turn up - what a week it has been - between the earthquake, the death of a friend (not earthquake related) and the students arriving back for the new academic year it has been all go.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts - all is fine with my family and friends. Although I live 220 miles south of Christchurch I still felt the quake and immediately went to find out where it was. I had been in Christchurch exactly a week before to celebrate my aunt's 91st birthday. My aunt is fine, she has power and water which a lot still don't have. Her 3 children and their families have all had damage to various extents to their homes and are using her place as a base for food and showers etc, so that is keeping her occupied, although the aftershocks have them all worried.

It is absolutely tragic what has happened and I keep hearing that the tv doesn't show the full devastation - it is not until you are on the ground there that you get to know the full extent. Also, I'm afraid that because we're watching from afar it seems unreal like everything does on the tv, and you can't really believe that it can happen here.

I can say that we are eternally grateful for all the help we have received from all around the world - the USAR teams which have arrived from Australia, the UK, the US, Japan, China etc have really bolstered our teams, both with their presence for numbers available to search and also for the specialised equipment and dogs they were able to bring. We all feel so helpless but only those trained teams are able to help at the moment, and so we give many thanks for them.

Kaye
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