Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Christchurch are gathering food, water and other emergency supplies which will be transported this week by helicopter to rural and remote communities in North Canterbury hit hard by Monday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Kaikoura Quake Map. Kaikoura Earthquake. 14 November 2016. Map credit: Google. 2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Two people lost their lives when the earthquake struck the small towns of Waiau, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and surrounding areas. Train lines, the main national highway and other roads have been damaged, cutting off several communities.

For more information about the earthquake and aftershocks go to Stuff.co.nz.

Local Latter-day Saint leaders report that all missionaries are safe, as are all other members of the Church in affected areas.

A home belonging to one family from the Church’s Rangiora Ward (congregation) was destroyed in the quake. The family is now being supported by leaders and members from their congregation.

President of the Pacific Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder O. Vincent Haleck, expressed love and concern for the individuals, families and communities affected by Monday’s earthquake.

Kaikoura Quake Map. Kaikoura Earthquake. 14 November 2016. Map credit: Google. 2016 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the people in the affected communities,” he said. “Our local leaders are continuing to assess needs, providing immediate support to individuals and families, and organizing volunteers from our Christchurch congregations. The shipment of relief supplies that will be flown by helicopter to affected areas this week will include donated items from Christchurch Latter-day Saints, as well as purchased supplies paid for by the Church. As further needs are identified, we will continue to provide support.”

Latter-day Saints and others who wish to support those affected by this and other disasters around the world may wish to donate to the Church’s humanitarian fund.