Christchurch – 3 years on from the earthquake.
On the 22nd February 2011 Christchurch was hit by an earthquake which devastated the city and killed 185 people. 3 years later the city is still under going repair. The destruction here is immense and it is so sad to see. Everywhere you look buildings are being supported, are boarded up or have been ripped down. Temporary measures have been put in place and the below is the Cardboard Cathedral providing a place of worship and hope for the citizens of Christchurch. A memorial of 185 white chairs to remember the dead is behind it.
In the city the Restart Center is a shopping mall that has been built out of shipping containers, again as a temporary measure as the city gets back on it’s feet.
I was shocked to see how much work is still to be done in the city. Many insurance claims are still being sorted and decisions still being made. Several roads are still closed and they estimate that it will be 4 to 5 years before all the streets are repaired and 10 years before the city is fully rebuilt.
I have never been to a city hit by a natural disaster before and my heart goes out to the people that have had their homes destroyed. Tourists have avoided the area since the earthquake but I urge anyone traveling to New Zealand to include Christchurch on your trip and help to get their economy going and the city repaired.
About Me
I have worked in the travel industry for over 25 years now since beginning as a holiday rep on a campsite in France and I have a real passion for travel. I've worked in all aspects of the industry including sales, marketing and management and I've specialised in most products…
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