The Anglican Alliance is calling for prayers for those affected by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand, which hit the South Island on Monday 14 November, killing two people.
Canon Robert Kereopa, CEO of Anglican Missions in New Zealand, has been in touch with the Anglican Alliance to pass on his thanks to the Anglican Communion for their prayers and support.
Robert said, “It is wonderful to hear from you and to know our friends are with us. Thankfully reports thus far from Christchurch, Nelson, and Wellington Dioceses all say everyone is OK.”
Thousands of people are still stranded, and the town of Kaikoura, which is the closest to the epicentre, and some other rural communities/ churches are unreachable. Rescue efforts are underway.
Further aftershocks have continued to hit the region, and there have been an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 landslides since Monday. Some of the country is now dealing with heavy rain, worsening the effects of the initial quake.
Infrastructure damage will take time to assess and repair, and police have warned that water, food and fuel supplies could run low.
Robert said, “We are in good heart, and poised to give support where it is needed, but it will take some time to assess the damage, which is substantial.”
