Tuesday 22 February 2011
ShelterBox responds to New Zealand's 'darkest day'
Photograph by Sharon Davis.
A New Zealand ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) are responding to the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake which hit Christchurch, New Zealand at lunchtime on 22 February.
Around 65 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the disaster. SRT volunteers Walter van der Kley, Arnold Kelly and Lyndon Tamblyn have been mobilised to Christchurch and are already in the area working with the authorities to assess the need. From downtown Christchurch, Walter van der Kley
reported witnessing extensive damage and experiencing several aftershocks. Emergency shelters have been erected by authorities but more are expected to be needed.
Lyndon Tamblyn, SRT, said: “We’re expecting the deathtoll to rise. Many people are still missing. It’s being called the darkest day in our history. We’re in shock - it’s something you don’t expect to see in your own country.”
John Leach, ShelterBox Head of Operations, said: “In this early phase of the disaster the extent of emergency shelter requirements is unclear. Any level of need will emerge in the next 24 hours. ”
Watch a video of John Leach, explaining ShelterBox's response to the devastating earthquake, below.
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