2/15/2013

2 years after the earthquake

Most of the time, Christchurch could be a million miles away from Stratford. Like most of the world, we heard about the killer earthquake and any other newsworthy bits on the telly. You don't think about it if you aren't involved with anything going on there.

My outlook on the broken city was changed a bit after our holiday. Hubby's mother's sister lives in Christchurch and we stayed with her a few days while we were there. Her house was undamaged, but, since the earthquake and some counselling, she has turned her back porch into her bedroom. She was a bit apologetic about it, but I'm really glad that she found a way to cope with the stress and fear that was caused by the February 2011 shake.

As we drove through the countryside noting the wonderfully beautiful scenery of the Canterbury area, we stopped to take pictures of the churches, as we always do when we are out. The fact that many of them are fenced off due to quake damage is a bit disheartening. They seem to be randomly damaged with no other buildings close by touched.



We didn't go downtown and look at the damage that's still there, but I'm glad to know that there are container malls doing business, which I think is incredibly creative. And there was still evidence of damage along the road to Sumner. 



Today, the mayor of Christchurch declared that the 'red' area (the central business district that was most damaged by the earthquake) is now to be called the 'rebuild' area. I think that's quite healthy because the determined citizens are doing their best to get back to 'normal'--whatever that is. Good on ya, Christchurch.

6 comments:

Fi from Four Paws and Whiskers said...

Onwards and upwards hopefully. It is good to see all the rebuild activity - even if the roads are a constantly changing sea of trafic cones.

Glad you saw some of it at least even if you missed the restart mall!

Belle said...

It is sad about the churches, but heartening to hear what the Mayor said. It must be a little scary to keep living there after the quake. I love the photo of the little cemetary.

Emily said...

Thank you for sharing these photos. My eye was drawn straight to the gorgeous features of the churches - it wasn't until I read your words that I even realised the fencing and danger signs!

A Creative Grace said...

It must be hard to recover from that, quite an eye opener...great shots there :)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Good for the city -- and your mil coping so well. I've seen that randomness when we've been through quake-damaged areas (after the fact during the rebuilding stages)...it really makes you stop and think.

Diana Studer said...

Christchurch is hair-raising to see. I did read about the cathedral but had no idea so many churches were affected.
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