ROTARY RESPONSE UPDATES (with the most recent at the top below):
CHRISTCHURCH UPDATE [2 March on day 9 after the earthquake with aftershocks continuing] from Bruce Jackson (via Assistant Rotary Coordinator PDG Ross Skinner):
"This morning I collected a friend (non Rotary) who is locked out of his CBD job and we headed back into the Avondale area where we were last night.On the way we dropped into the Sallies in Linwood and picked up a truck load of water in 10 litre containers.Most of this we left with a neat old guy who had set up a gas burner and was acting as water boiler for his neighbours in Avonside Drive.His car is locked in town,and he was so appreciative.I am happy to report that those very badly liquifacted streets were being attacked in a big way by contractors,and I imagine that by tomorrow night the streets will at least be clear of the piles of sand. For those of you who haven't seen these piles,they represent the sand that has been moved out of the homes and sections of the residents.We are talking about piles up to two metres high and three metres wide at the base.Many would be twenty to thirty metres long.Peter and I joined a small army of volunteer helpers and pitched in with our shovels and barrows.I was working with two backpackers, one from France and one from Canada, along with a Pom, a Christchurch school teacher, a student and a farmer who arrived from goodness knows where on his John Deere loader.As we were leaving we noticed an elderly lady on the street with an old retriever dog,both in a distressed state.It transpired that she was desperate for water,and it was so good being able to carry 20 litres into her house for her.This lady is very traumatised.She is living in a garage,as she is too frightened to go upstairs.There are no services at all.The house is entirely surrounded by liquefaction that at its deepest would be half a metre deep,and the smell was dreadful. The house will be demolished eventually.I sat with her for some time,and listened while she told me about what she had been through.I was wondering what my next move was going to be, when out of the blue three guys arrived with two bobcats, accompanied by a lady neighbour who took her under her wing.Due to other commitments Peter and I had to return to our normal side of Christchurch,and so ended another experience.On the way back we ran into the advancing student army, hundreds of kids with barrows and shovels going for it."PDG Ross Skinner added on 2 March:
"It is these guys who have organized the bob cats and are working in with the student army that are in desperate need of some funding to cover diesel costs etc. The issue is that council will uplift the silt from the kerb / street with contractors but not ‘assist’ with clearing of individual properties. The student army is going for it as Uni is closed at least the next fortnight. Many house holders have left their properties. The students are clearing the back yards / garden etc and the bob cat volunteers are clearing from the driveways to the street for collection. Simply the mess needs to be cleared asap from the properties before blowing further and creating more of a health hazard and anyway it’s simply disgusting. We ‘Rotary’ need to find funding and this could be from corporates ... Any ideas to facilitate this anyone? Could be $5K / day say $70k total. A ‘trust fund’ is being set up to manage the process. Just had a real rumbling aftershock ... at 10.40pm ... I just wish ‘it’ would give us a break!"PDG Ross Skinner announced at South Pacific PETS on 6 March:"Chevron will donate $35-40K and CRT the balance to $70K in total towards funding diesel costs for the bob cats clearing liquefaction. This donated funding will be controlled by Rotary on the logistics side, in conjunction with the student army." Thank you Chevron and CRT!
CHRISTCHURCH UPDATE [28 February on day 7 after the earthquake] from Assistant Rotary Coordinator PDG Ross Skinner:
"Rotary tonight Monday was on the food distribution run from the Salvation Army Centre in Linwood Avenue as we will be again on Wednesday. There was excellent representation from a number of Rotary clubs, with Riccarton, Avonhead, Bishopdale Burnside, Papanui and Christchurch Sunrise being who I saw and there may have been others. In the end we were not all needed and everyone I hope recognises the process needs to improve but simply we are better to be there and not required than not being able to respond. Systems will get better but this will take a little time as everyone is so stretched resource wise. Just getting there across town is a logistical exercise in itself often taking 1 and 1/2 hrs or more, where normally you would allow 20 minutes at most. The route options are very limiting to allow access with the ‘lock down’ within the four avenues. This is frustrating of course but ‘we’ just need to be understanding and accepting. Bruce Jackson and I did a drop off to a group of council flats in Ensors Rd just off Ferry Rd end. Perhaps 3 or 4 at best of the six recipients were worthy in our opinion ... but you will get free loaders inevitably I guess and you have to move on, accepting those in need with their genuine gratitude.
We had a lot of the home baking on board, provided we understand by the kind farming community and schools from around the Leeston area south west of Christchurch which had arrived in by a transport truck at the centre somewhat unexpectedly, so after dropping our containers back to the centre we decided to try to find those perhaps more worthy, at least in our opinion to distribute this baking to. We traversed some streets between Linwood / Fitzgerald Avenues and the army /police guys at the cordon points were grateful of the baking for a change of diet, even though they felt reluctant to accept it as they had eaten. We just wanted to thank them and show appreciation for what they have to do.
Then we went further afield into a relatively small pocket in behind Avonside Girls High, Retreat Rd, Bracken St, Keeler St. Fortunately we were in a four wheel drive as we certainly needed it. I am sure this is only a small indication of what is occurring over the much larger area in our city, particularly in the eastern suburbs.
I have never seen in a ‘developed country’ such dire circumstances that some people are continuing to living in by necessity or ‘choice’. Many of the streets are devoid of human presence but two or three couples or families in each street are continuing to stick it out. Where we saw signs of obvious occupation we ventured in to knock on doors or called out to see if there was anyone there. One man was endeavouring to cook in his front yard on a camp fire built of recycled bricks. One couple was clearly so traumatized that they had no conception of what we were trying to offer them. They thought they were all right, clearly they weren’t and they may have well have been in the Everglades, as they were totally surrounded by liquefaction and water that has no where to drain, such is the state of the street, their property and community. The smell from the liquefaction sediment is also very unpleasant but they seemed oblivious of it, perhaps simply accepting. We asked that they shared, if they did not need what we had given them, the baking with other people that they knew to be still ‘in residence’ near to them, as often they felt what we had was to much for them to accept or cope with. We drove, dropping off and finding people to give the baking to and apples we had, until it was near dusk. My last stop was just at the bottom of Papanui Rd where TV1 has set up its base opposite the Carlton Hotel. We had a tray of exquisite shortbread left which I gave personally to [Reporter] Mark Sainsbury and pleaded that these people desperately need assistance, more than we can hope to give at this time.
I return to my home, where I have power and water but cannot yet take a shower as I feel so distraught at what I’ve experienced and observed and guilt at what I have but they don’t and of course won’t for some time. I understand completely that there needs to be robust and proper process around the assessment needs of these people and families. This process will advance to a great degree tomorrow I understand and Rotarians and other volunteers such as Lions etc have been asked to be a part of this process as part of three person teams out into the suburbs as this focus intensifies.
Simply where these people will live in the near future I have no idea, many will have no option but to relocate out of Christchurch for a very long time and possibly not return. Many have decided to do this already. Communities and lives have been cruelly destroyed; people futures have been ripped away from them through no ‘fault’ (no pun intended) of theirs.
It is harrowing and extremely distressing to see my community so destroyed, however it is heart rendering to see that those we meet were still in some way ‘positive’ and seemingly accepting of their situation, blaming no one and grateful for the small difference we were attempting to make. Perhaps it was simply showing that someone cared and the human contact?
Today I contacted Past District Governors Geoff Mathis and Fergus Cumming in Rotary District 9930 [in the North Island of NZ]. I felt a need for solar showers and face masks. These guys have got them on a plane today I understand. I doubt that you can buy them for love or money here in Christchurch. I don’t know what process we will have to pay for what ever the cost has been just yet, but these guys know where I live unfortunately and they will just do what is necessary! I don’t know what we will do with them once Air NZ gets them down here, I simply cannot plan that far ahead tonight. Simply I feel a ‘need’ for them. I don’t know what else we do need yet and neither has do many others far more experienced than us at this time, so just bear with us as we paddle hard.
We desperately have to give these genuine people we discovered tonight some dignity in their situation. Bruce and I may just go for another drive to do that. I go now to have a very brief shower and try to rid the arid taste in my mouth that a substantial whisky has not!
As Rotarians, I think generally if we are honest we have to recognize that we have more than most, if sometimes only in resource and whilst I’m extremely grateful of that tonight I do feel so guilty that this is the case, being so distraught for my fellow Cantabs."
CHRISTCHURCH UPDATE [27 February on day 6 after the earthquake] from RNZWCS Director PDG Stuart Batty:
"1. Rotarians are already assisting with practical things:
In association with Salvation Army delivering food to residents who have no power, water or sanitation.
Linking families with families in other parts of New Zealand to enable them to spend some time away from the aftershocks.
Rotarians from other parts of New Zealand sharing their caravans and mobile homes with people who have had their homes written off.
This is a neighbouring Rotary Ditrict 9980 initiative.
Working with missing persons to locate two Israeli tourists (family of a Israeli Rotarian) who have not been heard of since 30 minutes before the quake struck. [Stuart Batty later advised that sadly, the two Israeli tourists are deceased and they were repatriated to Israel on 3 March].
Through NDRF (NGO Disaster Relief Forum) of which Rotary New Zealand World Community Service is a member, meeting regularly with forum members to plan strategy and cooperation.2. Things you should also know:
Some Rotarians and family members were injured in the quake. No known Family of Rotary fatalities at this stage.
Many Rotarians have lost homes, contents, vehicles and businesses.
Many Rotarians whose homes are repairable, currently do not have power, water or sanitation. Some have moved in with relatives or friends temporarily.
Some Rotarians' businesses will be unable to recover plant, stock and data from their premises or will be prevented from access due to damage to other premises in the vicinity.
The authorities responsible for the Earthquake recovery have requested that donations in kind or non cash items NOT be sent to Christchurch.
The New Zealand Government, local agencies and NGOs have sufficient emergency and second phase supplies for the ongoing needs of the community that can be acquired in New Zealand."
Rotary Club of Melrose, Scotland held a pre-planned collection at this weekend's Rugby match with Bristol. The club has decided that the monies collected will be sent directly to Rotary New Zealand [25 February]Offer of DIK assistance received from Rotary Club of Diablo View in Walnut Creek, California, USA who have for years made such donations to post-disaster communities in need - Replied that Canterbury authorities have stated non-cash donations not be sent, and cash donations are requested instead. [25 February]CHRISTCHURCH UPDATE [25 February on day 4 after the earthquake] from Assistant Rotary Coordinator PDG Ross Skinner:"Rotary in Christchurch is very active assisting in their community as they are able. In accordance with the request from Mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker, Rotary clubs are working in their immediate communities at this stage. An example is the Rotary Club of Christchurch Sunrise which on Saturday 26 February had a project clearing liquification (muddy sand) from the property of one of their members who is in Timaru Hospital with a broken leg from the earthquake. The club has also instigated a telephone tree amongst its members. Most Rotarians are active doing things, and news of these activities may take time to filter through as most are "just doing it" and are without email etc anyway!"CHRISTCHURCH UPDATE [24 February on day 3 after the earthquake) from Rotary District 9970 Governor Margaret and Brian Reeve:
Rotary District 9940 Governor Howard Tong blogged Canterbury Earthquake press releases and photos at http://howard-actionscount.blogspot.com on 23 and 24 February. His district are setting up a ShelterBox in the Wellington CBD for public support, and they have an Emergency Response Kits (ERKs) Appeal running at Wellington Railway Station on Friday 25 February morning as part of their District Project Day on Saturday 26 February across that district. 9940 is also holding a collection at the Wellington Railway Station and Midland Park for the Christchurch Earthquake AppealShelterBox team aids New Zealand earthquake victims on http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-12540612 on 23 February: The New Zealand ShelterBox team of Walter Kley, Arnold Kelly and Lyndon Tamblyn are working with the authorities in Christchurch to assess and prioritise the immediate need. Some emergency shelters have already been erected, but more will be needed. "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" Mr Hamblyn said. ShelterBox was founded in 2000 by Rotarian Tom Henderson and adopted by the Helston-Lizard Rotary Club [and is supported by many other Rotary clubs around the world including New Zealand] . ShelterBox sends boxes of aid to people made homeless by natural or man-made disasters across the world. Boxes are tailored for each disaster but typically contain a 10-person tent, sleeping bags, water purification, cooking utensils, a stove and a basic tool kit.
"We are ok but very stirred and shaken ... many others are far worse off. It was frightening ... and still is! Aftershocks are still continuing. Yes it has been and still is horrendous and tragic. How we recover from this I know not. We have power and water (it seems) but no waste water or flushing of toilets. We may loose power again when the bell tower to the church just across the road from where we live collapses as it 'should' any time soon! We live about 15 minutes walk from the City centre so not far away ... What isn't yet being revealed is what has occurred in the suburbs, particularly our hill suburbs and eastern area." - Assistant Rotary Coordinator PDG Ross Skinner from Christchurch 23 February"I have been in Christchurch today. I had never experienced an earthquake, so today was very scary! I was just about to jump out of my rental car for a meeting, when it felt like the car was moving. I thought it had somehow jumped out of park, so immediately put my foot on the brake. When the car & myself continued to move, it was only then that I realized that this wasn't normal. It lasted for what felt eternity, & when it finally subsided, all of the building had evacuated. The worst was seeing the faces of so many South Island staff who were so concerned for their families, as this was big, many already saying much worse than the earthquake last September. Many were crying, some in shock. I just can't imagine how Christchurch will recover this time & hope that everyone we know is safe." - Past District Governor Leanne Jaggs (who lives in Auckland) 22 FebruaryRotary Club of Christchurch were at their lunchtime meeting when the Christchurch Earthquake disaster struck on Tuesday 22 February at 12.51pm. They said "it was a meeting they won't forget!"
"So much help and care is being provided as we all work together to assist our neighbours and friends. Help is also being offered from within New Zealand and Australia and from many countries overseas. This will give us the strength that we will all need in the weeks ahead.Ideas for assistance that others have shared:
Check on status of own club members and allocate actions within the club in the first instance
Volunteer to Red Cross or the local welfare centre
Nominate a member of the Club to check the local welfare centre regularly for any supplies that club members could provide. Please ask that club person to make contact through the District Administrator Ken if the request is for a significant amount that needs a wider response.
Check regularly with aged, people who are ill, families with children to provide reassurance and where necessary other assistance.
Help people to get safe drinking water, access to water for basic health needs, cell phones and laptops recharged
Offer space for freezer goods where no power is available
Share health tips from Radio Live
Keep in touch with www.rotarysouthpacific.org where summaries of actions will be continually updated including messages from key Rotary International leaders on www.rotary.org
Refer to the database of accommodation that is being offered outside Christchurch which is being continuously updated by PDG Stuart Batty.
Donations to RNZCWS website www.rnzwcs.orgOur thoughts and prayers remain with you all."