Foreign Affairs Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola last night received confirmation from the Fiji High Commission in Wellington, that members of the Fijian Community in Christchurch, contacted so far, are safe following the earthquake that struck the area on Tuesday.

The Mission has been working very hard to contact members of the Fijian community in Christchurch including students and those on permanent residency status, and is pleased to report that all members of the community contacted so far are confirmed safe and none injured, however, some families reported minor damages to their properties.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the New Zealand Government has given the following contact number for concerned people enquiring after friends or relatives: +647 8502199.

Ratu Inoke added rescue work is still progressing where people are being pulled out of collapsed buildings and the priority now is rescuing those people trapped in six major sites.

On to the situation in Christchurch.

Police warn the naming of victims of Christchurch’s earthquake could be a long, protracted and painful process for families and loved ones, as the confirmed death toll has risen to more than 100.

The death toll from Tuesday’s 6.3 magnitude quake was updated overnight from 98 to 103, and 228 people are now listed as missing, which is expected to include most of those confirmed killed.

The first four victims were named yesterday and Police appealed for understanding from families as they work to identify the bodies of victims.
 
Police have said there was no chance of survival at the CTV building, where up to 122 people are unaccounted for, including 90 international students’ and staff from private training school King’s Education.

Hope has faded for survivors at the flattened Pyne Gould Corp building, and police estimate between 16 and 22 people were killed by falling masonry at the Christ Church Cathedral buildings.

Searchers were still working through the most damaged parts of the city.


Story by: Vijay Narayan