The 6.3-magnitude earthquake has since revealed itself to be one of the worst natural disaters ever to occur in New Zealand and has destroyed many buildings and homes across the city, as well as resulting in a death toll that could rise as high as 300.
News of the disaster has spread around the world and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter was quick to show his support to the people of New Zealand. He has been joined in expressing his sympathies by FA Chairman David Bernstein, who sent a letter a letter of support to OFC President David Chung straight after news of the tragedy reached FA headquarters this week.
“On behalf of The Football Association, may I express my sadness at the news of the earthquake which has struck Christchurch and caused the loss of so many lives,” Mr Bernstein states in the letter.
“I know that OFC has its headquarters in New Zealand and that you and your colleagues will be feeling the effects of this tragedy acutely.
“I do hope that your friends, family and colleagues are safe. Our thoughts are with you.”
OFC President Chung is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea but has close ties to New Zealand through the Auckland-based OFC secretariat and has been deeply moved by the tragedy.
“The thoughts of the Pacific football family go out to those affected and their families and loved ones,” President Chung says. “Everybody across the Pacific needs to band together and do all we can to help.
“We thank the FA Chairman for his words of support during this extremely sad and difficult time.”