As the Nation Bleeds again - Christchurch's Second Earthquake

Unreal, Surreal, Unfathomable.

The images from Christchurch over the past few days have been mind-reeling, it is a war zone, it's completely devastating, it's horrific, it's the worst natural disaster this nation has faced, and with the population being as it is, everyone knows someone who has been hurt, or lost loved ones.

Living at the other end of the nation leaves me slightly removed from it all, and not knowing anyone personally involved, but there is so much news, the radio is constantly filled with updates as well as on the TV, and you see and hear the pain and suffering, daily, hourly, and it hurts.

Today my children had a ceremony at school for a new building, and amongst the cheer and joy in erecting something for the community at large to enjoy was a minute silence of remembrance.

A minute where the hundreds of students, teachers, parents, visitors and officials joined together in thought for those hurting the most, and it's brought home again how real this is.

Through it all is also amazing encouragement. Yet again the people band together to help each other. A nation that has suffered in the past 6 months, this is the third earthquake for that region, and there has been the disaster at Pike River mines, yet the people give, and help, and love, and care.

I heard on the radio the call go out for blood donors for the blood bank, 24 hours later the call says to stop, there is ample supply.

I hear the facebook group, the Student Volunteer Army is re-assembling to go in and help clean up, listen to those who need to talk and offer support as needed - and in 24 hours there are over 10,000 volunteers, as I wrote this there are almost 15,000.

The Red Cross opens for donations, and the world responds - late this afternoon there were more donations from overseas than from NZ itself.... and it's needed, this is a small nation, and can only do so much.

Telecom enables all public phones in the region to have free calls. Air NZ puts on extra flights and offers $50.00 flights to anywhere in the country. ANZ kicks in $1 million dollars to relief efforts, local business The Mad Butcher put in $20,000, and the support comes in from around the world.

Response teams arrive from all around the world and help sift the buildings in hope for the living, and work through the buildings in the city clarifying those that are safe.

People offer tents in the disaster area for those displaced to have a roof over there heads. Trademe.co.nz makes a section devoted to the earthquake, fundraisers start up, accommodation is offered and so much more.

I am inspired by this young man - offering himself to do work for the highest  bidder, and donate all finds to the appeal.

The response has been amazing, I am truly floored by how quickly the people of this nation as well as those around the world have moved in to do whatever they can to help.

For those who have lost loved ones, I offer my heartfelt condolences. For the city that is in tatters I hope that the toll is not as high as predicted... and for the nation that is hurting I weep with you, and offer what I may to help.