Information is still sketchy and its not possible to know who has been affected. Of the 98 people confirmed dead, only 4 names have been released. Whilst there are still 226 people listed as missing, how many have simply fled the city is not known. I know of people who left everything behind and drove from Christchurch to Auckland after the quake.
It is great to have friends in such times of need. Whilst there will be many more countries assisting, I understand that the following foreign assets are already on the ground in Christchurch (or due to arrive).
* A 40-strong Australian urban search and rescue team, along with 300 Australian police.
* A 55-strong disaster relief team from Singapore.
* 75 personnel from a US specialist search and rescue team.
* 60 search and rescue personnel from Japan,
* A 63 strong team of search and rescue personnel from the United Kingdom, and
* Assistance from Taiwan (yet to be finalized)
Soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces have helped to man the cordons in the city and maintain the curfew.
1000 USARs are expected in Christchurch by the weekend.
The city centre was full of historic buildings, not capable of withstanding a shallow earthquake. Whilst most of the dead are in the CBD, there is massive damage to infrastructure and buildings in the suburbs.
It is very sad