CHCH earthquake: the impact

Today is day 4 of the rescue operations. So far the body count has risen to 113, 200 people are still missing, most of them foreign students of a language school. There’s not much hope left of finding them back alive. Most tourists and many inhabitants have fled the city, to Wellington, Auckland and other places in the country, the foreigners are trying to get home.

While all focus is still going to the rescue operation, people are also starting to think about the impact of this disastreous earthquake. Economically the destruction of New Zealand’s second largest city will drag down the economy, which was still suffering from the recession and previous earthquake. Many people will be out of jobs for a long time, because it will take months, maybe years to rebuild the central business district. Most of the English style historical and non earthquake resistent buildings have been destroyed now. Will the rebuilt city centre have any of the old charm?

Most important: what will the impact be on the people of Christchurch? Will they ever feel safe again? They’ve got months of aftershocks ahead of them, and the deaths of family members, colleagues and neighbours to deal with. Many of them are traumatised. The psychological toll is enormous.

From all over the country the Kiwi’s are reaching out hands to those who are in need. Transports are leaving from everywhere to CHCH, people are opening up their house to those who need a roof over their head or a break from the earthquake terror of the last 6 months. A 10 000-strong student volunteer army is helping out wherever they can. These are just a few examples of how the population is reacting to the national state of emergency.


Today we found this beautiful handmade card in our letterbox, with the following text:




Feb 2011

We are your neighbours behind you on the hill, 7 Clunie Ave. Met 3 of you last weekend.
The earthquake in Christchurch reminded us how important it is to know your neighbours. So here are our numbers: ...
My name is Nina, my partner is Ronda. If ever you need help, please ring and we will do what we can.

Nina Mariette

How thoughtful is that! Again it shows how difficult times can strenghten communities.


This earthquake will have an impact on most New Zealanders. Even I’m affected: all census collectors have been advised that Census will not resume in 2011! So far my first work experience: after 5 days I’m already out of job again. I’m not too worried about it: I’ve had a taste of it and I’ve got enough work translating the biography I’m working on now. The kids will be happy, because they weren’t too pleased with me not being at home in the evenings and weekends. And maybe this will be give me more time to potty train Jacob, which is now priority number one. I don’t think his teacher in Belgium will be happy to change nappies when he starts going to school there when he’s 2,5.