Wednesday, February 23, 2011

6,882 Miles Apart...

My heart goes out to all those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand.

Today's New Zealand Herald reports 75 dead from earthquake, and with 300 missing the toll is expected to climb. It is the worst natural disaster since the 1920's.

Most of my family and friends are from the North Island. So far it seems I don't personally know anyone living in Christchurch. I spent a year there as a post-graduate journalism student. It's a very English university town, flat and surrounded by farm lands, where many people cycle wherever they have to go.

The power of the earthquake - at a magnitude of 6.3 - was felt as far away as Dunedin, 200 miles to the South, causing an estimated 30 million tons of ice to break from New Zealand's largest glacier.

The pain and suffering in that city today is unfathomable. It is surreal to be spending these quiet moments in my garden many thousands of miles away, unable to help...
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12 comments:

  1. elizabethFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    my heart goes out to everyone there as well!!

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  2. TamunaFebruary 23, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    I was so shocked to hear about it on the news...I can relate to the feeling of being so far away from home and not being able to help. We can just hope for the better...

    xx

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  3. JMWFebruary 23, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    I've been reading about this on the news sites online - how terrible. I'll keep them in my prayers.

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  4. Emma (Glitter and Gold)February 23, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    we have family there too so we are all watching this terrible mess unfold -- it is a horrible helpless feeling --- sending tons of thoughts, prayers and love that way
    xoxo
    E

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  5. UnknownFebruary 23, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    we were in Christchurch just a month ago, and saw then many older masonry buildings that had damage and were under repair or closed. Seems that this new earthquake did significantly more damage to already weakened structures. The lovely hotel we stayed at, The George, is now without water, gas and only limited supplies, and is not able to look after guests. we feel terrible for the kind and gracious people we met in Christchurch. give what you can to the New Zealand Red Cross at www.redcross.org.nz/donate.
    Ross & Gary

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  6. MimiFebruary 23, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    oh my, i didn't know there was an earthquake in new zealand! :O my prayers to all those affected.

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  7. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    i can't even imagine! my thoughts go out to those in christchurch!!!!

    xo,
    joAnn

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  8. Beth DunnFebruary 23, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    Ive been hearing about this in the news and in the paper-devastating.
    xoxo
    SC

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  9. DianaFebruary 23, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    I've been thinking of you Jody because I remembered reading that your sister was there. My heart goes out to everyone in NZ. <3

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  10. torrieFebruary 24, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    I've honestly been so busy as of late, that I wasn't even aware of this tragedy. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

    You're right... It is unfathomable. My thoughts & prayers will be with them.

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  11. girloliverFebruary 24, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Jody, I was thinking about you...and especially by those affected. First the floods in Australia and now this. My prayers are with them.

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  12. AnonymousFebruary 24, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Me, too...my aunt and uncle live part-time in NZ. Our thought and prayers are with them and everyone else who may be affected by the quake...

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