The city of Christchurch was shaken by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake at 12:51pm on Tuesday 22 February, 2011. Due to the timing and proximity of the quake it appears to have resulted in deaths, more casualties and considerably more damage than the 22 September 2010 quake. 147 deaths have been confirmed and identified with many people still missing. The death toll is increased only as body identification is made. The number of international visitors in the area is still unknown. There have not been any rescues for over 105 hours.
There have been no deaths or life threatening injuries reported for any Church members. Approximately 30 Latter-day Saint families have been displaced from their homes. Families are living with friends or extended family members. Some have left Christchurch due to trauma or home damage.
President Clive Joliffe of the New Zealand Wellington Mission reports that all missionaries are safe and accounted for.
The following initiatives are either in process or soon will be:
• Purchasing of non-perishable food items and bottled water to distribute to the Red Cross
• LDS Family Services staff will travel to Christchurch this week to provide counselling support and services to Church leaders and members
• 1000 water containers purchased to distribute to the public
• Local unaffected members and full-time missionaries are providing service to their neighbours in the clean-up of houses, yards and streets
• Church College of New Zealand campus is being made available to members and those not of our faith for respite accommodation
• The Area Presidency has encouraged that Primary children and youth write cards and letters to the members of Christchurch
Church Physical Facilities Department personnel report that all of our chapels have suffered major structural damage in addition to some degree of liquefaction occurring in and around some of the buildings. None of the four chapels in Christchurch will be used until further notice and further engineering evaluation.
A recent News Release pertaining to the earthquake from the official Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints states the following:
"Local Church leaders are contacting Latter-day Saints throughout the city to confirm their safety and well-being so immediate support can be mobilized. The Church is also assessing damage to its buildings."
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CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — A massive earthquake struck Christchurch city just before 1pm yesterday afternoon. The earthquake measured 6.3 in magnitude and struck at a depth of only five kilometres. It has caused major damage to an already shaken city as Christchurch endured a 7.1 earthquake six months ago.
Fatalities have been reported, but the number of deaths is currently unknown, although 65 have been confirmed. Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker, told reporters this morning that the death toll could be considerably higher than that figure.
Government officials are coordinating the rescue and relief response and giving full resources to the overall aid effort. Emergency workers and supplies are being brought in from other parts of the country. The New Zealand Civil Defence has declared the city is in a Level 3 emergency state – the highest emergency level possible for a local or regional New Zealand disaster.
Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are all safe and accounted for, and no member casualties have been reported. The Church's Avonside Chapel has been damaged due to liquefaction and the Fendalton Chapel is currently inaccessible.
The Pacific Area Presidency has issued the following statement of support in response to the disaster:
"We are deeply concerned for the people of Christchurch at this time. Many have lost their lives due to yesterday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake. We extend our love and sympathy to families and individuals who are grieving. We are grateful for and marvel at the courageous leadership of Mayor Bob Parker, his fellow council officers and all others engaged in the difficult task of rescuing those still trapped in buildings. This is in addition to all they are doing to manage other aspects of the disaster response. Many other churches, organizations and individual volunteers are reaching out to neighbours and others to identify urgent needs and do what can be done to provide medical aid and to bring relief and comfort to those who are suffering.
Our own church's leaders and members are busy assessing needs and resources among our own faith community, as well as reaching out to our neighbours and friends in Christchurch communities. We are grateful for the inspiring and unwarying leadership of Maurice McDonald, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Christchurch stake. He and other Church leaders in Christchurch are not only taking care of their own families but also supporting many other individuals and families.
We in the Pacific Area Presidency, along with many others throughout New Zealand and overseas, continue to pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, for those who are injured and suffering, for the elderly and children who are especially traumatised, for Civil Defence, rescue and medical workers, and all others impacted by yesterday's earthquake. We invite members of our church to join with us and those of other faiths to pray to God with all of our might - that lives may be saved, wounds healed, hearts comforted and families united in safety."
As a church bearing the name of Jesus Christ, we will continue to do as the Saviour would have us do. We will work with government and other groups to bring help, healing and hope to those affected by this disaster.
Church leaders in Christchurch and Auckland are assessing needs to ascertain how the Church can best respond with human and other resources in the coming hours and days.
Further updates will follow.