Christchurch - Life after the earthquake

The second largest city in New Zealand, Christchurch had to cope with some setbacks in recent years. On September 4, shook the earth for the first time, 7.1 on the Richter scale. At that time there was no loss of life since the earthquake occurred at night.

But only a few months later, on 22 February 2011, a second strong quake occurred, this time for lunch. The epicenter was closer to the city center and debris as well as people were downright geschleutert through the air. This time, there were 185 fatalities. Since then there have been countless smaller quakes.

Building a stüzten and also the Cathedral was badly damaged.

Since is no longer what it once was. When I arrived by bus in Christchurch, I thought at first that we drive through an industrial area would be where there are some restaurants closed and is built very much. But we were right in the center!

Leiden, the buildings were built here not withstand earthquakes, so many buildings were closed because of danger of collapse and are not yet abgerrissen. Others are already in the reconstruction, but this seems to be slow going, because so many people have left the city for fear of another earthquake and are attracted elsewhere.

But everywhere we see construction sites and one has labored prepare some sections, even if they represent a very strong feeling for my Kontrastbzum rest.

Since there are almost no normal shops, you have built a Kontainercity, the Re: START was named. There are fashion boutiques, takeaways and other shops.

Honestly I could in this environment does not really enjoy my lunch snack. It's scary how much damage can cause earthquakes and very understandable that the center was almost deserted and many people have moved away. I hope that the reconstruction is worth and have the rest of the population with the erdbebensichenen buildings a calmer future.