Google has set up a peoplefinder application for those looking for their loved ones in the wake of the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.
People are being encouraged not to call home as the phone lines in and around Christchurch have been damaged by the quake, and phone companies have requested that lines be left open for emergency calls as much as possible.
The Ministry of Civil Defence is asking that in order to minimise loading on the telecommunications network, people use text messaging to check if family and friends are safe.
The government has also set up a Geonet earthquake report which can be accessed here
The latest information can be found on the Ministry of Civil Defence website: civildefence.govt.nz and the Environment Canterbury website: www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz
The Ministry of Civil Defence are asking that in order to minimise loading on the telecommunications network, people use text messaging to check if family and friends are safe.
New Zealanders in the UK who are worried about family and friends should continue to monitor the above websites, media reports and try to make direct contact. Once a national helpline has been established that number will be provided via the websites above.
British nationals concerned for British family and friends in New Zealand should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for consular advice: www.fco.gov.uk
Rescue crews are mobilizing from around the country to assist in what will be a massive rescue and rebuilding effort. For now, though, authorities in the country’s capital, Wellington, are scrambling just to get information with the phone lines down and airports closed
“There are people fighting for their lives at the moment, but there are also people fighting for them,” Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told reporters as the first of more than 20 aftershocks to be recorded on the day began to be felt. “We’re preparing ourselves for what I think will be a really sad, bleak day for our city but be reassured everybody is doing what they can.”
Mr. Parker has asked some 350 military personnel to help in the evacuation of the city’s downtown area.
Among the early offers of international assistance was the US government, which has said it will provide anything from its resources available in Honolulu.
The latest information can be found on the Ministry of Civil Defence website: www.civildefence.govt.nz and the Environment Canterbury website: www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz
The Ministry of Civil Defence are asking that in order to minimise loading on the telecommunications network, people use text messaging to check if family and friends are safe.
New Zealanders in the UK who are worried about family and friends should continue to monitor the above websites, media reports and try to make direct contact. Once a national helpline has been established that number will be provided via the websites above.
British nationals concerned for British family and friends in New Zealand should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for consular advice: www.fco.gov.uk
International flights cancelled
