Australian charities offer assistance to NZ quake area

Australian charities were busy preparing to assist their brother and sister organizations in New Zealand after an earthquake caused massive damage on NZ's South Island area.

The 7.1 magnitude quake, which struck near Christchurch at about 4.30 a.m. local time on Saturday, has destroyed buildings and infrastructure. But so far there has been no report of death toll.

St Vincent de Paul Society National President Syd Tutton said he had sent a notice across to the New Zealand St Vincent de Paul society to offer assistance.

"We'll certainly provide as much assistance as we can," he said.

A spokeswoman for Australia's Salvation Army director of emergency services Norm Archer Been said they had also been in contact with their New Zealand counterparts to offer assistance.

"We're open to any requests that are made, but it's difficult to know at this stage the extent of the damage," the spokeswoman said.

"It's possible an appeal could be launched as well."

Source:Xinhua