We have no cars, but for this I’m quite pleased. We can’t drive anywhere and so can’t see the entire destruction of my city Christchurch. Now we don’t even want to watch the TV coverage. One day we will recover our vehicles from the town centre, but we’d rather not see it right now.
We have been shown over the last week how even in the worst of times, you see the best of people, and this has been the most humbling of experiences.
We strive to retain our sense of humour and strive to remain positive. There are no shortages of stories around us, some that make us laugh and many that make us cry.
There was a friend who had parked outside a shop while he bought some provisions. During the quake the building fell down on to his car and flattened it. In desperation he had to get to his young children’s school. On the other side of the road was a Nissan car dealership. He ran over the road and said “quick I must have a car to get my children”. The dealer promptly threw him the keys for the new latest model Nissan and told him to go quickly. No names given, just go! The car was so new it didn’t even yet have number plates!
Then there was the story of the family whose dog ran from the home not to be seen for six hours after the quake, yet when it returned it was leading five other traumatised dogs. The owners looked after these dogs until they could find their owners! A similar story comes from our local traiteur who returned home to find his horses kneeling in a circle in their paddock. We are all affected.
Several times a day now we have a TV briefing from our Mayor and various experts. Supporting these experts we have a person giving the briefing in sign language (for the deaf). My 9 year old nephew visited us yesterday and proudly informed us of all the sign language he had learnt over the last week. He had mastered the signs for earthquake, after-shock, and dust – the only words we need to know at the moment!
Flooding is not something you would think of when you hear of an earthquake, but for much of Christchurch this was a major concern. Liquefaction is where water and silt is forced up through the ground from subterranean aquifers when under intense pressure. Our properties have been inundated with viscous sludge and water. It has been a week of heavy tiring digging clearing our properties. Drains are blocked with this thick sludge rendering drains and sewage systems inoperable. Yesterday I bought a supply of chemical toilets for my neighbours – we were so excited! If I knew a week ago that I’d be out buying a chemical toilet I would not have been laughing or as excited as I am today!!
Everyone knows of someone whose home has been destroyed. A home isn’t the same as a building – a home is where children have been born and brought up, a home is full of love and memories, a home is where all those “first” events take place, first steps, first words, first giggles, first friends.
Devastation is a word being used. It seems impossible to think of how much some people are suffering. We have a parent from school, who in ten seconds on 22 February at 12.51pm lost his home, his business, and his son.
If you are in a position to make a donation to assist our recovery efforts please visit the Red Cross website.
Personally I would like to thank all you wonderful people out there who have been in contact with us over the last week. I feel like I have heard from every person in France, Australia, America, and other countries as well. Your support and best wishes helps us all so much!
Knox Church - one of so many churches destroyed in the Christchurch earthquake.
My local shops in Merivale, Christchurch
My office was just a mess, nothing more. Other peoples' offices were destroyed.
This is the liquefaction sludge being cleared by these wonderful volunteers from my properties. Back breaking work. More than 150,000 tonnes needs to be cleared from Christchurch.
Good to hear how you are doing John, all of New Zealand certainly is deeply saddened for your city and its people. I was in Ponsonby Rd at the 2 min silence time today and the usual very busy street came to a halt. Very moving to be part of.
Hi John,
Thanks for the update. I’m always amazed (not never really surprised) at how a tragedy like this brings out the best in people. Your post brought tears to my eyes.
Stay safe, and update when you can.
oh, and dogs too!
Thanks for the inspiring update John, but plagiarism ?
“Then there was the story of the family whose dog ran from the home not to be seen for six hours after the quake, yet when it returned it was leading five other traumatised dogs.”
I posted a similar story of my sister’s dog coming home with a pack of 6 scared dogs .
Just joking. But isn’t it a wonderful story!?
So your house isn’t getting the dreaded red sticker?
Glad to know you’ve still got a safe home.
A few of our friends have been told to get out and go.
That WILL cost me won’t it Jim. But really the dog story is so cute. But for anyone visiting you should read Jim’s full article on http://holesinmysoles.blogspot.com/2011/02/christchurch-earthquake-feb-1st.html. Jim’s such a great writer!!!
This is so devistating and unexpected. We have friend out in Chrstchurch who have told us stories very similar to yours. Of course we wish you all the best, and hope you and your city recover quickly.
Thanks for posting this update John. It’s wonderful to hear the stories of unity and strength that come from such destruction.
Wow John, I had no idea you were from Christchurch! Jim shared a lot of his personal stories from his family but thanks for your personal touch on this tragedy as well. It’s amazing to see the kindness of people in the midst of tragedy.
I watched a special a few weeks ago on the San Francisco earthquake in 1989 and it was amazing to see ordinary citizens take over for the police and other officials while they were trying to rescue others. Other people were risking their lives to save people from the collapsed bridge. It’s unfortunate that it takes tragedy to bring us together like this. At least the good side of man is one positive that can be taken from this experience – even if it is a small consolation to this tragedy.
Special thanks Jeremy for your comments. The San Francisco earthquake is a great example of overcoming adversities, and Christchurch will be no exception. We had the Mayor of SF on the TV the other night and he was able to share his experience with everyone. Cheers!
I’m so glad you and your family are safe and well. Have been thinking of you and all Kiwis. It is truly tragic. I am sure with your optimistic spirit, you will all rebuild another beautiful city. At least we can all learn to appreciate each other and each moment more.
Great team of people there John, Nice to see great smiles of your faces – It certainly says alot about your attitudes,
caring and sharing and helping each other.
We all really want to be there, to share the load, but we can’t (no accommodation) but know that we are there in spirit.
Sincerely, Rose and Vic.
Great to hear that things are slowly shaping up and you are surrounded by people who care and love you. I’ll definitely spread the word about donations.
So glad to hear that you and your family are OK and thanks for your informative update. I’m glad to hear some of the good that is coming out of this terrible time, like the dog, leading 5 other dogs to safety.
Those photographs certainly tell a story – stay safe.
[…] Christchurch Earthquake – One Week On. John in France | March 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm | Tags: Christchurch, Christchurch earthquake | Categories: Travel | URL: http://wp.me/pRT2Q-aM […]
Thanks to everyone for your comments to my story on the Christchurch earthquake. We do love our Christchurch, and to all of us it feels like a “death in the family”. But it will become the coolest 21st century city in the world before you know it!!
Thanks so much for your post, John. We’ve all been thinking about you and the people of Christchurch. Such devastation, but it is so inspiring to see the spirit of people coming together to get through this time and to rebuild.
You guys are all so strong and I admire you! I know the city of Christchurch is going to rebuild to be beautiful once again! I don’t have my credit card with me right now, but I’m going to scrape up some money to donate to the cause as soon as I can.
Keep smiling! You are in my prayers!