Maltese in Christchurch safe and sound
A Maltese national who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, is safe and sound, the Foreign Ministry confirmed this morning.
A spokesman for the ministry said Malta’s embassy in Australia had managed to contact George Spiteri, who lived in Christchurch, and he said that he and his family had survived the quake which struck the country's South Island on Friday.
Mr Spiteri reported disastrous conditions, electricity cuts, unearthed roads and buildings literally cut in half.
It has been reported that the earthquake, caused by the continuing collision between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, has ripped a new 11ft wide fault line in the earth's surface.
At least 500 buildings, including 90 properties, were designated as destroyed in the 7.1-magnitude quake that struck on Friday near the South Island city of 400,000 people. Most other buildings sustained only minor damage.
The quake cut power across the region, roads were blocked by debris and gas and water supplies were disrupted, but Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said services were being restored today.
Power was back to 90 per cent of the city and water supply had resumed for all but 15 to 20 per cent of residents, he said. Portable toilets had been provided and tanks of fresh water placed around the city.
Today, specialist engineering teams began assessing damage to all central city buildings. Schools across the region would remain closed for the next two days to allow time to check whether they were safe.
Part of the reason the city escaped major injuries was because the quake happened before dawn local time.
Experts said the low number of injuries in the powerful quake reflected the country's strict building codes.
Malta's Foreign Ministry provides assistance to Maltese travellers and those residing abroad on a daily basis. Demand is bigger in summer and 800 people have already been assisted this year.
People requiring assistance may find the relevant contact details on the ministry's website.
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Lawrence Magrin
Oct 19th 2010, 20:51
I am really glad that the Spiteri Brothers and their families who hailed from Zejtun are fine.
Henry is one of the best musicians that all Maltese should be proud off. As a bass player he was the very best Malta has seen in the 60's and 70's.. Prior to emigrating to New Zealand he was the keyboard player of Bayzo's Klikka.
Should anyone have his email address , kindly send it to me at enzmagrin@hotmail.com
S. Cefai
Sep 6th 2010, 12:07
My wife and I were in Christchurch International airport when the earthquake hit. We had just finished a 3-day scenic tour of the island. It was a very frightening experience. One second we were waiting with our tickets ready to get in the departure lounge, the next second we were running out of the building. It felt like the whole place was coming down.
Mary Fenech nee Spiteri
Sep 6th 2010, 10:27
Dear all,
Thank God that my brothers and nephews are all fine. However, please note that they cannot be contacted by phone calls. Only sms's.
Thank you all for your concern.
Regards,
Spiteri Family.
enzo gusman
Sep 6th 2010, 06:59
Was wondering whether the "Mr Spiteri" referred to, is my old friend
Henry, who enmigrated to New Zealand late seventies !! Would love
to make contact..... Whether Mr Spiteri IS or is not the gentleman Iknew, I
wish you all New Zealanders all the best ! enzogusman@waldonet.net.mt
a.dalli
Sep 6th 2010, 08:53
@Enzo Gusman
Henry was a musician and hailed from Zejtun. George his elder brother emmigrated late sixtees
a.dalli
Sep 5th 2010, 16:15
George, good luck and happy for you. Was Henry with you or in Australia?
louis zammit
Sep 5th 2010, 16:55
Hi gorg
i tried to contact u on ur mobile but it seems i have a wrong one ..glad to hear that u and ur family are all safe...........louis......
George Debono
Sep 5th 2010, 15:35
RE "Maltese in Christchurch safe and sound"
well, that's good news of course, but such reports suggest that other unfortunate new zealanders (and NZ residents of all other races) don't count....
Reminds me of the brilliant monty Python Joke:
News headline: "EARTHQUAKE IN CHINA, 150,000,000 dead, BRITON SPRAINS LEFT ANKLE"
:-)
S Gauchi Aussie
Sep 5th 2010, 23:32
Briton spraines left ankle big deal, what about the 150,000,00 souls. what so special about One or a Briton? S.Gauchi Gozitan (Aus).