Another Earthquake in Christchurch rattles the Nation.
Amidst cries of ‘Apocalypse Now!’ ‘Why do we deserve this?’ and “Is the worst still to come?’ the people of Christchurch are yet to come to terms with the disastrous Earthquake that uprooted an otherwise quiet and friendly city, leaving all of us in a state of shock.
February 22 must go down as the ‘Worst Day’ in the history of New Zealand, as a shallow earthquake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the Canterbury region, about 10 kilometres to the west of the City. It was a cruel act of Nature, as the city rocked in the middle of the day, when thousands of people were in office blocks, shopping malls and on the streets. As we rushed this issue to printers for an early release, at least 75 people were dead, hundreds injured and more than 300 missing.
Our Christchurch Correspondent Dr George Abraham was out and about all hours of day and night, trying to interview officials and residents. His first message, flashed on our mobile screen read: “Another earthquake, worse than September 4; heavy casualties possible.”
Thereafter, he was filing hourly reports, all over the telephone, since the Internet service had understandably broken down.
“The Cathedral, housing the Anglican Church, the pride of the City was damaged extensively, losing its spire. The Cathedral has been a part of Christchurch since the middle of the 19th Century and there are fears that it may be brought down. There is destruction everywhere,” Dr Abraham said.
He said while fire service, ambulance and police cars were seen in the Central Business District and other badly affected areas since the disaster struck, the City was beginning to wear a deserted look.
“All guests from all hotels, motels and lodges were evacuated. Many of them had moved to other neighbouring cities and villages, while residents stayed at home. The previous earthquake (September 4) had spared human lives but this one has been nasty,” he said.
Prime Minister John Key declared a state of national emergency, saying that we were witnessing the havoc caused by a violent and ruthless act of Nature.
“Many people have lost their lives. Families have lost their cherished loved ones. Mates have lost their mates. These deaths are the greatest loss. They remind us of the fact that buildings are just buildings, roads just roads but our people are irreplaceable. Today, all New Zealanders grieve for you Christchurch,” he said, as he spoke and wrote to the Nation.
Mr Key who was born, raised, educated and got his first job in Christchurch, said that he and his Government were determined to pool all resources and do everything possible to help the people of Christchurch overcome the tragedy.
Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, who left Christchurch just hours before the earthquake struck, said the latest event would be traumatic to the people of Christchurch and the Canterbury region.
“Despite the devastation wrought, I am confident that the emergency services, local government and people generally will respond to those in need,” he said.
A number of companies owned and managed by people of Indian origin have suffered severe damages. Steve D’Souza, Chairman & Managing Director of the Kalamazoo Group, which owns the Christchurch based Wyatt & Wilson, said that the plant and machinery at its Healthcote site had suffered severe damages.
“While it is too early to assess the extent of the damage, I understand that all the machinery would require replacement,” he said.
Aneil Balar, Chief Financial Officer of Service Foods Limited said the company’s 100,000 Sq Ft warehouse in Wollston had taken a ‘big hit’ and that Asian Food Warehouse, another company in the Group had suffered major damages.
“A number of our other properties have also been substantially affected by the earthquake,” he said.
A number of associations of the Indian community have expressed their grief and offered support in relief efforts.
Photos by:
Police and Firefighters work to rescue a trapped woman from a building on February 23, 2011. NZPA Picture by Wayne Drought ©.
A View of the damaged Catholic Cathedral on February 22, 2011 NZPA Picture by David Wethey ©
