The death toll from the Christchurch quake has risen to 154, as the nation prepares to observe two minutes' silence to mark the passing of a week since the tragedy.
At 12:51 today the country stops for a 2 minute silence to remember those who have perished and the families and loved ones in mourning. n fact it is a country in mourning.
We are thankful for the support from around the world that is evident both with those helping in Christchurch, and with the donations and sympathies being received each day.
This is a note I received this morning - typical of many over the last week:
Dear Rtn Howard,
We were shocked to learn about devastating earthquake on 22nd Feb in Christchurch with more than 100 people have been killed (latest figure 145 !) & at least 200 are still missing.
We pray to God for the safety of all the Rotarians & their families of your district.
May God Bless them with courage to face this catastrophe.
Our Sympathies are with those who have been affected in the devastating earthquake.
Looking forward to hear from you about welfare for all & with warm personal regards to you & and Jennifer from myself and Indumati, we remain,
Your Friends,
(JAGMOHAN KATAKI)
PDG D: 3040 (94-95)
23-B, Kunj Society
Alkapuri,
Baroda – 390 007 (Guj) India.
On one of our local websites I read:
At 12.51pm today I will stand in solidarity with family, friends and strangers to remember the members of our global community who lost their lives here a week ago today. As we face the direction of the cathedral, the silence from our city's heart will be deafening but in my heart I will hear the bells ring out hundreds of times.
