The destructive 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch in the Canterbury region of the South Island at 12.51pm (local time) yesterday afternoon.
Despite suffering significant damage to its own buildings, by late afternoon the Salvation Army was assisting over 1000 people at an welfare site established near the inner city at Hagley Park. Shocked and grief-stricken locals were initially and temporarily being housed in large marquees that were already on site for the Ellerslie Flower Show.
Major Rex Cross, emergency services coordinator for The Salvation Army in Christchurch, said that The Salvation Army was calling its teams together as fast as possible.
"You just cannot imagine the enormity of this [quake] compared to the first one,' said Rex. Catering supplies had been organised for around 1500 people, he said.
"Food is on its way and people will be fed," he said.
The Salvation Army National Fundraising Coordinator (NZ) Major Robbie Ross says the region has suffered terribly since last September's earthquake and a tremendous effort was now required to help those already living with the hardships and psychological effects of the original quake and its aftershocks.
"Our experience with the September quake showed us the great emotional shock such an event can have on people–and now there is the added dimension of some people grieving for loved ones.
"There will be a myriad of material needs by those who have lost possessions and homes. We are appealing for cash donations to strengthen our response," he said.
The Salvation Army has also called on Christians throughout the world to pray for the victims of this natural disaster.