From Christchurch

[renegade1]

Hi everyone.

WOW! What can one say. Like the September 4th earthquake wasn't enough, Mother Nature has hit us again.

This time is so much worse. My heart goes out to those who have lost family and friends. As they say, homes can be replaced, but people can't.

I was lucky this time. I live at Templeton on the outer edge of the city. Not alot of damage here, other than to peoples nerves.

Over the past few day's, all i have wanted to do is go out and photograph some of the area's effected, but they have asked for people to keep off the roads to free them up for urgent traffic. I live across the road from a service station (gas station) and it has had no fewer than 20 cars lined up for gas, 24 hours a day. People are panic buying. Lots of people heading out of town. The death toll just keeps climbing. We all thought how lucky we were in Sept, no one died, but this time, it just doesn't bare thinking about.

I will get out and take photo's, but only when it is safe to do so. I will keep people posted.

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Good to hear you're safe, renegade.

I'm afraid that as I watch the coverage on TV the thought keeps crossing my mind of the incredible photo ops. I keep framing shots in my mind. Awful, I know.

Keep safe. The whole country is thinking of you guys down there.

[renegade1]

I managed to get out and look at some of the damage today. This was Linwood village.

[iRyzzz]

Sorry to hear about the whole thing but I would love to see some pictures of this distruction.

[NgaiHill]

One of my many talents is as a driver in the army. Have just come home from 12 days working in Christchurch doing earthquake relief. The city is a mess, the media seems to have overlooked the thousands of people NOT in the CBD who are badly affected by this quake, many still without power, water or sewerage - and thats just the ones whose homes are still livable. While getting around I managed to take a few photos (not while I was driving!)
My lasting image of Christchurch will be the people, those that are left with so little who smiled and waved as we drove past, heads up, spirit still strong.

A church in the inner CBD, sorry, don't know which one.


The Hotel Grand Chancellor from Latimer Square - the damage can be seen on the left hand side, the lean not so obvious from this angle.


Time to seriously rethink the beauty of brick....

[NgaiHill]

And the suburbs....

The residents of Keller St still have a sense of humour


Flooded roads from burst water mains. The piles of silt are from peoples yards, this is five days after the quake, and they were still digging.


Some of this damage was from last year's quake


more than a new coat of paint needed here


I may return in a couple of weeks when we are needed again, will make sure I pack my battery charger for my camera next time!

[NZMXr]

This is the building in photo #2 after the september 4 quake

[NgaiHill]

What a lovely old building it was then, I can't even recognise it from my photo.