Christchurch, one of the most beautiful, tranquil, serene and charming cities in the world, is now lying in the ruins of February 22 Earthquake.
Since the first major tremor on September 4, 2010, the City has continued to receive aftershocks. Hopes of returning to stability dashed with the recent quake.
Christchurch will never be the same again. The Earthquake has not only destroyed buildings, but also claimed more than 160 lives and injured hundreds of people.
It was New Zealand’s darkest hour; equivalent to that of America’s 9/11, with ground zero being the CBD of Christchurch.
The US suffered the act of terrorists and New Zealand, the wrath of God. Both caused damage, destruction and loss of lives. Unlike, terrorists, Nature cannot be restrained, controlled or even predicted. What took years to build was reduced to heaps of debris in seconds. Boulders dislodged from hills around Lyttelton damaged homes and claimed two lives.
Tragic incidents
Heartbreaking stories emerged, as rescue works began to intensify. A bus carrying passengers bore the full force of falling debris from a building that left six passengers dead and many injured. A mother with baby in arms died when bricks fell on her; miraculously the baby survived. Two siblings were trapped in the ruins; the sister held the hands of her brother, as he succumbed to the injuries. She was later rescued. Doctors amputated both legs of a victim with a hacksaw to free him and save his life.
More than 600 local and foreign rescue crews’ combed through the mountains of debris, hoping to rescue people trapped underneath. Their faces were initially lit with hope but persistent aftershocks made it difficult for them to enter all buildings where dead and dying lay.
The Nation stood still for two minutes at 1251 pm on March 1 as a mark of respect for the victims and began preparing for a succession of funerals.
In the worst of times, the best in humanity often emerge and, sadly, the worst too!
It was Christchurch’s tragedy but a nation’s grief.
National grief
We, as a nation had not recovered fully from the Pike River mine tragedy of November 19, 2010 when 29 miners lost their lives. Their bodies remain entombed in the mines. The epicenter of grief is now deep-seated in our hearts and minds.
It will continue to quake our memories, as we re-live 22/2 and re-view the images that cannot easily be erased.
Thousands of Christchurch residents have left their City to recover or to re-establish their lives elsewhere.
Christchurch Airport witnessed some heart-breaking farewells. People were just leaving and some did not even know where they were going and what their long-term plans were. The trauma and physical displacement will ruin lives.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Prime Minister John Key handled a delicate situation with utmost sensitivity.
Political parties and politicians displayed maturity, compassion and unity in standing together to help the victims.
Criminals play
However, the criminal elements saw opportunity in adversity, as they used various methods to infiltrate the security cordon in the CBD and abandoned houses to loot.
Some were apprehended and charged. One of the homes burgled was that of a victim whose children were waiting for news from their mother, trapped in one of the buildings.
We seethe with anger against such people and ask for punishment that befits the crimes they committed.
The world response towards this tragedy has reaffirmed that we are part of the global village. We share and care. The outpouring of aid in various forms made us proud to be part of this global village.
Aussie Cousins
But what can we say about Australia, our neighbours?
We are occasionally crude and unkind to Australia. Emotions rise to fever pitch whenever the two nations challenge each other in the battlefield of sports. However, such ferocity also anchors deep ties of unity, respect and recognition for each other.
Australia’s support during the Pike River Mine tragedy and the Christchurch Earthquake has been overwhelming.
Tran-Tasman ties are strong and occasions such as this, make it even stronger.
Rajendra Prasad is a thinker, author (Tears in Paradise) and our Columnist. Email: raj.prasad@xtra.co.nz
