At 4.35am on September 4th 2010 an earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island with an epicentre about 40km from the city of Christchurch. As most people were in bed at the time and the distance from the city meant that there were no fatalaties but there was damage to some buildings in the city.
On February 22nd 2011 at 12.51pm an aftershock of the 2010 quake measuring 6.3 struck 10km from Christchurch. This time the city wasn’t so lucky and 185 people were killed, 115 of them were at the Canterbury Television Building which completely collapsed. Damage, especially in the city centre, was extensive an over 1200 buildings were eventually demolished. The scars can be seen today, seven years on, the city is very much still re-building.
Quake City (299 Durham Street North) tells the story of the 2011 earthquake. Most touching are the video accounts of the survivors, I don’t think anyone can watch this and not be moved.
What particularly strikes me about the city is the desire for rebuilding and survival. After the earthquake something like 10,000 people moved away and left the city yet those that remained have a steadfast view that the city will remain and regrow. The attitude seems to be in some quarters that if your business was destroyed then re-open as best you can and move on. We can all learn a lot from the citizens of Christchurch.
185 empty chairs is a memorial to those that died in the 2011 earthquake. Created by local artist Peter Majendie it was envisaged as a temporary, unofficial memorial but there are plans now to make it permanent if a location can be found. All the chairs are different, reflecting the different personalities of the victims.
The Cathedral was badly damaged and even seven years on there are no real plans in place for its restoration and it has been occupied by the local pigeon population. In its place has risen the Cardboard Cathedral. Hopefully a temporary place of worship.
Living in the United Kingdom where there are no tectonic plates coming together and no possibility of earthquakes on this scale it is a sobering experience to visit Christchurch but I am glad we went.The city is gradually rebuilding and the people so warm and welcoming.