Red Cross launches appeal to help victims

The British Red Cross has launched an appeal to help those affected by the New Zealand earthquake.

Disaster response manager Barry Armstrong said: “This is a major disaster, and New Zealand Red Cross staff and volunteers are working around the clock to support people who have been affected.

“Local volunteers reacted immediately, providing first aid to help the emergency services, and additional emergency staff and supplies have been arriving through the night.”

Red Cross volunteers are also staffing an evacuation centre for about 2,000 people, and helping others whose homes are damaged find alternative accommodation.

The Red Cross is also working with the civil defence, the New Zealand police and local councils and agencies to assess the needs and determine how best it can help.

A telecommunications team has been deployed to Christchurch and is helping people reach their loved ones through the charity’s restoring family links service.

Emergency relief materials, including 200 tents, 1,800 blankets and 2,000 water containers, have been dispatched from the Auckland warehouse to assist the response.

The Australian Red Cross, through a bilateral agreement with the New Zealand Red Cross, is sending emergency support staff to assist with the operation.

l To donate to the New Zealand earthquake appeal, visit www.redcross.org.uk/nzearthquake or call 0845 054 7200.