****Christchurch 6.3 Earthquake*** (homes, tornadoes, cost)

[mrconfusion87]

Eeek! Poor Christchurch! They've been hit with two major quakes in less than six months!

[Macrina]

"5.40pm
The official death toll for the Christchurch earthquake has risen to 144 this evening.
The number of missing people for whom there are grave concerns remains at more than 200."
Christchurch earthquake: Latest updates - National - NZ Herald News

I'm lighting candles & saying prayers.

[Deef1]

donate now
REDCROSS NZ LINK (Click on the Donate Now to go to the Red Cross Link) to make donations for the people of Christchurch New Zealand - even a nominal donation will add up when all is accounted for. It has been said that over 40% of the city will have to be leveled and rebuilt with over 40 aftershocks since the Tue quake ranging up to 4.5 so the already damaged buildings and property continue to crumble. My heart goes out to everyone there. With the rising death toll, loss of property, life and employment for some our hearts reach out to all of you from the US. God Bless You!!!

[muir33]

On the news tonight it was announced that the NZ Govt has set up a Christchurch Earthquake Appeal website for all those in New Zealand or overseas that may wish to donate
Donate to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal : New Zealand Government

An article about the website is also in
Government launches official quake appeal site | The National Business Review

For those interested in coverage, the national television station has footage on One News or Breakfast
TV ONE | Television New Zealand | Television | TV One, TV2, TVNZ 6, TVNZ 7

[minibrings]

Found an article on the nzherald about people leaving Christchurch. There were only 350,000 inhabitants prior, the number of people leaving is astounding.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10709035

[Vichel]

Originally Posted by minibrings

Found an article on the nzherald about people leaving Christchurch. There were only 350,000 inhabitants prior, the number of people leaving is astounding.

I wouldn't blame people for leaving. How could you trust that it wouldn't happen again? Those that were lucky enough not to lose a loved one this time would worry about next time not being as fortunate.

It would be bad for Christchurch, of course, but there's nothing any government can do to safeguard people against earthquakes as you oftentimes can against other disasters that give you some advance notice.

[minibrings]

Originally Posted by Vichel

I wouldn't blame people for leaving. How could you trust that it wouldn't happen again? Those that were lucky enough not to lose a loved one this time would worry about next time not being as fortunate.

It would be bad for Christchurch, of course, but there's nothing any government can do to safeguard people against earthquakes as you oftentimes can against other disasters that give you some advance notice.

I'd do the same.. I left NY after 9/11.. for Oz.. it took a long time for me to stop looking up with panic everytime a plane flew over me.

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by minibrings

Found an article on the nzherald about people leaving Christchurch. There were only 350,000 inhabitants prior, the number of people leaving is astounding.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10709035

A close friend had sold his mom's home off a few months ago in ChCh and he was looking at where to buy. Lifelong ChCh guy, but he started thinking elsewhere after Sept. I'll have to talk to him soon about what his thoughts are now. Previously he had wanted to buy in one of the nice condo blocks in the CBD, but I can't see him doing that now.

I think people are starting to see that this is going to be a drag on the NZ economy for a while. A lot of people I believe are going to leave for the north island or Australia. A lot of businesses will never reopen their doors again.

I saw some saying ChCh would be rebuilt as a modern new city, but that could take decades, if ever.

I'm still coming to terms with the fact the city I know and love is changed forever and I think when I go back it will be a blow between the shoulder blades.

[muir33]

Check out the aftershocks

Christchurch Quake Map

[Macrina]

^^ Muir33, that's a fascinating site, but in kind of a horrible way. It helps me at least partly understand in a visceral manner what you are all experiencing. I've been rather glued to the nzherald.com site and must say it has excellent reportage of this sad event.