World Leaders Send Condolences to New Zealand Quake Victims

  • 13 years ago
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World Leaders including those of both Japan and Australia have issued statements of condolences regarding New Zealand's deadly earth quake. The two countries both of whom has several thousand citizens residing in Christchurch are preparing to help out. NTD's Gina Shakespear with the story.

It's the reassurance any country in mourning wants to hear. Support from abroad.

Japan has sent condolences to victims of today's deadly earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand, pledging support and aid.

[Yukio Edano, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary]:
"Staff from Japanese foreign ministry and Japan International Cooperation Agency will board a plane at 6pm today to head to the site in order to establish what the situation on the ground is, and look into what sort of support can be sent. They will be sent as a precursor in order to see what can be done."

According to Reuters there are approximately 3000 Japanese citizens residing in Christchurch. And the Japanese government has said it will do all it can to make sure those citizens are safe.

Closer to the disaster zone Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard who was only in New Zealand last week discussing trade, said this evening at a press conference that family members of the 8000 Australians known to be in the Christchurch region should prepare for the worst.

She also said the thoughts and best wishes of all Australians are with them as they deal with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.

The deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake has claimed 65 lives to date but the death toll is expected to be much higher. In the days ahead citizens of Christchurch are indeed braceing for the worst.

Gina Shakespeare, NTD News, Australia.

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