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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Christchurch Earthquake Update: Video Footage Of The Aftermath

Christchurch Earthquake Information

Local Emergency Phone Number:111 or 0800 779 997

Just an update on the 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake that hit Christchurch, here are the statistics that I read on the latest news article of the New Zealand Herald.

 
The Numbers
76 confirmed dead
238 reported missing
164 patients had been admitted as "seriously injured 80 per cent of the city without reticulated water 40 per cent of the city without power
$16 billion JP Morgan damage estimate
1000 number of rescuers by this weekend
40 police cordons in the city
1464 New Zealand Defense Force personnel directly supporting the operation
431 people had gone through the Emergency Department 20 people are thought to remain in the pancaked PGC building

Source: NZ Herald staff, NZPA

CLICK HERE to Read full story


Here's a video footage uploaded at Youtube by showing the aftermath of the 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.




If you want to donate and help to victims of the Christchurch Earthquake , please visit  the New Zealand Red Cross Website: http://www.redcross.org.nz/donate. They have  launched the "New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal" to support those affected by the recent Christchurch earthquake. 
All funds will be used towards the New Zealand Red Cross response to the disaster, including transport and provision of goods. As weeks go by, different needs will be identified and Red Cross, there for the long haul with your help, will be meeting them.



Donations to this appeal can be made to:
  • Online at www.redcross.org.nz/donate
  • By cheque to: New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal, Freepost 232690, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
  • By Direct Credit Transfer to our Special Appeal Bank Account: Kiwibank 38-9009-0759479-00 and the account name is RED CROSS.
  • By Direct Credit Transfer to our Special Appeals Bank Account: ASB 12-3192-0015998-02
  • At any branch of PostShop Kiwibank, ASB and ANZ bank
would you like to donate from overseas?
Our sister national societies in Australia and the UK have set up appeals to help raise much needed funds to support the work of New Zealand Red Cross as we respond to the earthquake in Christchurch.

Monday, February 21, 2011

A Terrifying 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Hit Christchurch, New Zealand

 A terrifying earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand. The quake occurred at 12:51 p.m.,NZ time today, February 22, 2011, a busy Tuesday. The epicenter was relatively shallow - just 3 miles deep – and close to about 10 kilometers South of New Zealand's second largest city. Christchurch has a 340,000 population. This is the second major earthquake that hit Christchurch since September last year.

As I watch the breaking news at Ten News, it was reported that there were unconfirmed fatalities, injuries, people trapped in the buildings. Live pictures showed the city center was enveloped with dust and smoke. Ongoing rescues of people trapped in buildings and many cars under rubble. The Christchurch famous landmark building, The Christchurch Cathedral, was severely damaged. There were reported road cuts.

Most of Christchurch at the moment has no power and with limited telephone lines. Several aftershocks were reported.

It was really catastrophic and the damage was massive. A state of emergency has been declared.

Here's a video  or footage uploaded at Youtube showing the 6.3 Magnitude Earthquake that hit Christchurch.







Read more updates of the Christchurch Earthquake here:

Updates: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/live-updates-christchurch-quake-4038261

Photos: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/live-updates-christchurch-quake-4038261/photos

More Videos: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/live-updates-christchurch-quake-4038261/video

Sunday, February 20, 2011

A Glimpse of Beautiful North Coast, New South Wales, Australia (Video)

The North Coast Region of New South Wales covers the towns  just past the Central Coast if you are driving from Sydney towards Brisbane in Queensland

Major townships and popular places within the North Coast include Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Lismore, Ballina, Grafton, Casino, Tweed Heads, Port MacquarieKempsey, Port Stephens, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, and Murwillumbah.



Must See Parks in the North Coast


Tourist Attractions and Activities
  • Hunter Valley Fine Wine Tasting and fabulous food.
  • Scuba diving in the diverse marine world of Solitary Islands Marine Park, off the coast at Coffs Harbour.
  • World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park.
  • The Channon markets on the scenic road to Lismore.
  • Historic Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks. 
  • Sand dunes of Stockton Beach, north of Newcastle. 






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credits:video from Youtube by

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Sydney Trains on Display (5 photos)

Sydney Affairs took these photos at the Sydney Central Station. These are model trains giving us a glimps of history about CityRail Network. Central Station is the heart of the CityRail network. It is one of Sydney's most recognisable landmarks and a popular meeting point for Sydney travellers.

The Central Station is one of the largest railway stations in Australia. It is a key interchange point between buses, coaches and trams. Trains and buses arrive and depart from Central. It was opened in  4 August 1906. You can visit the City Rail website here for more information on bookings, timetables, and service updates.


A wooden train with the manual time schedule. Most Stations in Sydney have computerized Train Schedule. However, I saw some Train station with the manual train scheduler in Stations like Auburn, Clyde, Berala.


Imagine yourself sitting on this wooden train heading to Newcastle?



A "Sleeping" Train. This Train has built-in beds, lounges, couches, and a little cafeteria. This must been the early inter-state train that takes long hours traveling from one state to another.




The common Train Carriage that still seen today.




This is one of the Trains running in Sydney. It's two levels compartment still unable to accommodate thousands of passenger during peak hours. Trains like this are air conditioned.


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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Speech : Word of Condolence on Summer's Natural Disasters

I move that the House: acknowledges with great sadness the devastation occasioned by this summer’s natural disasters including unprecedented floods, Cyclone Yasi and bushfires; extends its deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost loved ones; records its profound regret at the impact of this summer's natural disasters on the economic and social well-being of affected communities; records its admiration for the courage shown by so many in the face of these disasters; acknowledges the enormous efforts of Defence personnel, emergency workers, and so many volunteers in responding to these disasters; and pledges the full support of the Australian Parliament and community to assist affected areas to recover and rebuild. - PM Julia Gillard
Watch the full video of Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Speech at the Parliament when they resumed session last Tuesday, February 8, 2012. The highlight of her speech is when she show and held a mud splattered, tattered Australian flag that was recovered from the area of Murphy’s Creek by the crew of a Defence Force helicopter. She commended the bravery and patriotism of the people helping out the victims of Cyclone Yasi


You can read the full text of PM Gillard as published in the Herald Sun by clicking here.

Some Photos of Cyclone Yasi at Brisbane Times:

A pile-up of boats in Hinchinbrook Marina. Photo: Paul Crock/AFP.


Houses that have lost their roofs in Cardwell. Photo: Paul Crock/AFP.
 
 
Emergency Services crews cross the flooded Bruce Highway at Liverpool Creek. Photo: Glenn Hunt.

A house in Mourilyan which had been seperated into two sections was badly damaged as Cyclone Yasi passed over. Photo: Glenn Hunt.
 
A banana plantation lies in ruin near the northern Australian town of Innisfail. Photo: Reuters/Tim Wimborne.
 
 

Credits: Photos above are from Brisbane Times. Copyright belongs to Brisbane Times and the person properly acknowledged above. Presented here for Sydney Affairs readers educational purposes only. 
 
 

Friday, February 4, 2011

Sydney Harbour Sunset Photos

A Beautiful Sunset at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I have taken this photo on board a Manly Ferry



Sailing just before sunset. Fantastic View




The Famous Sydney Harbour Bridge

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Beautiful Australia Day 2011 Video

Just sharing this beautiful video I saw at Youtube.

It highlights Australia's iconic places, wonderful attractions, best holiday places, fun and adventure.

No wonder that Australia is indeed a beautiful country!

Enjoy the video, I watched it many times myself.








Video from Youtube by MrHelidude

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