Devastating earthquake at Christchurch, New Zealand

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[David Yap]

My prayers and condolence to families of all the victims of the earthquake. I hope all our brothers and sisters in aikido are not affected in any way there.

God bless.

[Shadowfax]

Same here. I have a Facebook friend and aikiweb member who lives in NZ and my first thought was of him and his family I hope they are ok.

[Marie Noelle Fequiere]

I understand they were just recovering from a previous earthquake?
They will be in my prayers.

[Janet Rosen]

From one earthquake zone to another, profound sympathy for losses and heartfelt wishes all going through the hard time today and to come.

[Amassus]

Just to update from down here.

Yes, this is the second earthquake to hit Christchurch. The first one (Sept 4th, last year) occurred at night and there were no fatalities.

This second quake was in fact a large aftershock (6.3) that occurred only 5km down from the surface. It occurred at around 1pm during the day. Children were at school, people at work or at lunch in the city centre.

Current death toll is 75, with 300 people still not accounted for. NZ has already received aid from military personnel and rescue teams from the USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore and the UK. The international response has been amazing.

Many historical buildings that were weakened in the initial earthquake, totally collapsed. Car-sized boulders have smashed through houses near cliffs and roads have buckled. One of the larger buildings (about 26 floors) is leaning dangerously and when it falls may cause a dominoes effect as it hits neighboring buildings.

There are some great aikido clubs in that city and I am concerned for one instructor that frequents our dojo here in Hamilton. I hope he is ok.

Thank you for your concern. The days ahead look to be dark.

Dean.

[Gorgeous George]

I have already sacrificed a virgin to placate the gods. If yet another quake happens, i'll offer two: see if that helps any better.

[Walter Martindale]

I was a member of Aikido Shinryukan Canterbury in Christchurch until returning to Canada in July/10. I've heard from two friends in the dojo who are OK - one is helping with the civil defense deployment. Haven't heard anything about the condition of the dojo or if anyone in the dojo was hurt.
Concerned. Very concerned.
W

[akiy]

Here's an article by Paul Rest that includes details from an aikido practitioner in Christchurch:

http://www.examiner.com/martial-arts-in-san-francisco/martial-artists-making-a-difference-update-on-earthquake-nz

-- Jun

[Walter Martindale]

Here's an article by Paul Rest that includes details from an aikido practitioner in Christchurch:

http://www.examiner.com/martial-arts-in-san-francisco/martial-artists-making-a-difference-update-on-earthquake-nz

-- Jun

Andrew sent me essentially the same content in an e-mail - I was training at the Burnside dojo until returning to Canada 6 weeks before the Sept 2010 quake. Glad to know no Aikido friends were hurt but one of the families whose kids I was coaching 09/10 has lost one of the parents.
Wlter