Here's an update on the current situation in Christchurch, and our part in it. It is two weeks yesterday since the earthquake struck, and very obviously it is still a very big part of everyone's life here. Aftershocks are continuing on a more or less regular basis, and some of these have been fairly strong, with an occasional one up to about 5.0. After the first quake in September more than 5,000 aftershocks were recorded so I guess we are in for quite a few more yet. While most do no damage, they are nevertheless unnerving and emotionally draining.
We escaped lightly from the quake. This time round we had more damage than in September, with some movement of the house, cracks (mostly hairline) in both outside and inside walls, and doors not shutting. The concrete area in front of the garage also has a few new cracks. Our biggest problem was a burst water main pipe into the house. This prevented us from having a continual supply of water, but we could turn it on for short periods to have a quick shower or do some washing or flush the toilets. This has now been fixed so we're back to normal in this regard, though still boil all drinking water. Our electric power and sewerage system were unaffected.
Tim's house on the other side of town (Avondale) is a mess. It has multiple serious cracks and still has no power, water or sewerage. 98% of the city has power and water and about 80% has sewerage so his is right in the middle of the wrong place. There was also a lot of liquefaction (sand and silt coming up through the ground) in that part of the city and it took a couple of days to wheelbarrow it from his property onto the road, from where it was later removed by the city council. At this stage Tim is still living in his home while he awaits assessment by structural engineers. I would not be surprised if the house is deemed not repairable.
At the moment the death toll stands at 166, but this is expected to rise to nearer 200. Several of these were overseas students who were studying in a language college that collapsed. An estimated 800 buildings in the Central Business District are flattened or so badly damaged that they will have to be demolished. The centre of the city will remain out of action for several months. While there is a lot of work to be done before final decisions are made, many houses will have to be demolished as well. Currently they think about 10,000 will be involved.
Many thousands of residents have left the city, mostly on a temporary basis though some have permanently relocated. About 500 university students have gone to Australia to do their first term or semester of studies. Some schools have reopened, some are awaiting repair, and others will need to be replaced. This has caused huge problems regarding schooling. Some students have been relocated to schools that are open, other schools are sharing facilities with one school using the premises in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Many businesses have been lost and about 9,000 people have lost their jobs. Several churches were also destroyed.
While many are understandably traumatized by the events, the people generally are in good heart. There has been tremendous pulling together to get done what needs to be done. Several thousand students mobilised and took their spades and wheelbarrows to remove liquefaction from people's properties. Churches and other groups are daily providing thousands of meals for those without power or water. And many people from around the country are also helping in many ways. Providing free accommodation for those who need a break away, fund raising, etc.
You will doubtless have seen much of what has happened on TV. I understand that, as is to be expected, the most dramatic of pictures and scenes are the ones that have been given the greatest prominence. While these are true, life continues, though in a rather different and more restricted way. We will get over it, however long that might take, but in the meantime we appreciate your continued concern and prayers.
Here is a rather dramatic photo taken of the city just moments after the earthquake struck.
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