New Zealand extends state of national emergency, announces national memorial service

New Zealand extends state of national emergency, announces national memorial service

2011-03-07 15:27:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

CHRISTCHURCH (BNO NEWS) -- New Zealand Civil Defence Minister John Carter on Monday extended the state of national emergency for seven more days in the aftermath of a strong earthquake that struck the city of Christchurch on February 22.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake at 12.51 p.m. local time on February 22 (2351 GMT February 21) was centered about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) southeast of Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. It struck about 5 kilometers (3 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GeoNet), the country's seismological agency.

The state of national emergency in New Zealand was declared on February 23 and first extended on March 1. It is expected to continue for several more weeks, Carter said. As of Monday, at least 166 bodies have been recovered from the rubble.

"This extension has been made on the advice of the Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller John Hamilton, and in consultation with the Prime Minister, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and the Mayor of Christchurch City Bob Parker," Carter said.

"This is the first time in New Zealand's history that a state of national emergency has been declared as a result of a civil defence emergency event. The ongoing impact of the earthquake on February 22, and the continuing aftershocks, is of such an extent that a combined effort from across the nation will be required for some time," he added.

Carter said the declaration of the state of national emergency ensures the maximum possible co-ordination and co-operation between central and local resources and international assistance. "Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, this declaration means the National Controller will continue to control the exercise and performance of functions, duties, and powers of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups and Group controller. He works in consultation with central government and local authorities, including the Mayor."

Also on Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced that a national memorial service for the victims of the earthquake will be held in Christchurch on February 18. "The service will give people the chance to reflect on the terrible loss of life suffered as a result of the earthquake, and the huge impact it has had on our second largest city," he said.

Key said the memorial service will be an opportunity for Christchurch to mourn together and celebrate the lives of those who have been lost in the disaster. The service will begin at 12.45 p.m. local time, followed by two minutes of silence at 12.51 p.m., the time of the quake.

The PM also announced that March 18 will be a provincial holiday so that people of Canterbury will have the opportunity to attend the memorial service. "While we will never forget those who have been lost, we must now focus that indomitable Canterbury spirit on the future. This service will be a beginning, not an end," he added.

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