Entire statement below:
On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand and to the families and friends of the victims in Christchurch, which has suffered its second major earthquake in just six months. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives have been touched by this tragedy, especially as they search for their loved ones and work to recover from this disaster. The United States is a close friend and partner of New Zealand, as evidenced by the meeting of the U.S.-New Zealand Partnership Forum that was underway in Christchurch when the earthquake struck. To assist in the rescue and recovery efforts, we have agreed to deploy a U.S. Agency for International Development Disaster Assistance Response Team, including an Urban Search and Rescue Team, and we stand ready to provide more assistance as needed. As our New Zealand friends move forward, may they find some comfort and strength in knowing that they will have the enduring friendship and support of many partners around the world, including the United States.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/...
President Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama with the Prime Minister John Key and his wife.
Thank you very much Mr President.
That statement isn't just words not to me nor will it to be to the people of New Zealand.
Christchurch needs all the help and words of comfort it can get. While its known the numbers that have been killed... it will be substantial for a city the size of Christchurch.
I have heard a story of a Japanese student who had to have a limb amputated so he could be rescued...
Another story of a mother being killed by falling debris whilst holding her baby.
Numerous families of the missing are downtown waiting for any news of their loved ones.. I cannot imagine what they are going through.
Not knowing really is the worst part.
Thank you Mr President... and thank you to my fellow kossacks for all the wonderful support.
Updated by GlowNZ at Tue Feb 22, 2011, 05:11:30 PM
Death toll is now 75. 55 identified.. the others not yet
Updated by GlowNZ at Tue Feb 22, 2011, 05:19:15 PM
Just heard that the rescuers have found a "pocket" of 15 people alive trapped in a building.. its very dangerous but they are trying to get them out
Updated by GlowNZ at Tue Feb 22, 2011, 05:22:35 PM
Its been a bad fucking 12 months for my country... first the September quake, then the Pike Mine Disaster which affected me personally and now this...
Updated by GlowNZ at Tue Feb 22, 2011, 05:29:16 PM
The Prime Minister, John Key, has declared a National Emergency