Christchurch had two major earthquakes, occurring on a previously unknown fault.  The exact details are complex, but basically at 4am in September 2010 a major quake occurred with no loss of life but significant weakening of the buildings.  Then 6 months later a large quake occurred at midday causing widespread collapse of already weakened buildings in the centre of Christchurch and significant loss of life because of the time of day.  In addition liquefaction of the soil in the eastern suburbs caused major damage and flooding.

In all there have been over 11,000 aftershocks, big and small, from the first earthquake – some causing more damage.  Tremors are still felt.

For us, who have never been in a major earthquake, and only twice in minor ones, the damage was hard to comprehend.  Basically the centre of the city has been destroyed with barriers erected around most of it.  It has become a building site – demolition and rebuilding are everywhere.

We stayed with a couple in an unaffected suburb and, naturally discussed their experience of the quakes.  The effect on the city was severe – many businesses simply closed down.  Many re-located to suburban areas which have boomed since the centre went.  Large numbers of people simply left, but some are returning.  Others were put out of work and are trying to rebuild a career – resulting in a lot of opportunistic businesses starting up.  Many people have become fatalistic and a lot less materialistic.

Inevitably there has been a huge problem with insurance companies trying to avoid paying out for damage, with the attendant disputes involving lawyers and engineers.  Claims and counter-claims are still being fought in the courts with, as usual, the little people losing out because they can’t afford to fight and the big companies spending fortunes to win fortunes.

Some areas of Christchurch have been compulsorily purchased and cannot be built on again, and the building codes have been strengthened (though the strict codes in existence limited the damage in the quakes).  Many buildings have been condemned and will be pulled down.

We lived with cyclones in Exmouth for 5 years, surviving two devastating ones when many others lost lives and property.  We were glad to leave and I don’t think we would live again in a cyclone area.  The impression we got very strongly from our visit the Christchurch was similar – just don’t live in an earthquake-prone country.