Journal: Earthquake continued. Day 6.
Body count risen by 2 overnight to 147. Many bodies have not yet been identified yet due to massive injury of the bodies by large pieces of brickwork and large building stoneware. Some may not be identifiable. There are  20 different countries identified so far. There are a number specialist teams forensic from overseas working on the problem states the Christchurch coroners office. If only we all could have our DNA registered. A temporary mortuary has been constructed at Burnham military camp.

2 more looters were picked up last night and held in gaol.

Air New Zealand have been offering $50 flights from anywhere in NZ to Christchurch one way

China have offered their help with the earthquake, in what capacity I presently do not know. Probably in earthquake field. China has big 'quakes and huge loss of life.

The removal of bodies from the CTV building and Cathedral goes slowly. Large iron pipes 1.5 metre diameter are being use by the specialist teams to shelter from falling bricks and stone as they burrow into the buildings. The tallest building in the city is leaning at an angle, slowly sinking in the liquefaction on one side. Presently it cannot be demolished for, if it falls, on nearby lower buildings it may cause a domino effect. With smart thinking the opposite side is now being filled by concrete to stabilise the lean. Then the building can be inspected for bodies or maybe life, then be dismantled.

The Military have been quietly busy backing up the police, directing traffic, the cooks cooking meals, and  medical staff, etc. Out at the airport it is busy from extra planes. USA use Christchurch airport as a stop-over to Antarctica Deep Freeze and work round the clock. It is also a storage facility, the very large US military planes various Hercules and C5-Galaxy aircraft coming in regularly. No doubt the air-force arm of the military are  used here, too. Many US staff are posted to Christchurch and quite a few American accents are heard helping with the 'quake problems.

At the time of the Earthquake the Navy ship Canterbury was berthed at Port Lyttelton. They did sterling work, not least cooking 600 extra dinners every day for the 'quake victims. The Canterbury is a multi-role vessel, 2 days ago the ship left for Wellington to pick up stores and heavy equipment including vehicles needed for the 'quake damage repair. She is due back today.

That is all I can write for now. More tomorrow.