2 years on and more than 7,000 earthquakes

[Endocat]

It started 2years ago at 4.30am on 4th September 2010

When a violent jolt started, sounding like a freight train was coming through the house.  Glass shattering, the house groaning.  We ran, well, I call it running, but really it was a braced scramble, to our twins room.  They were 22 months old at the time and would have slept through the whole event had we not have pulled them from their cots.  It was the first earthquake, 7.1 magnitude. September 4th's earthquake was just the first with far worse to follow.  Feb 22nd brought 2 more devestating earthquakes which demolished our city centre and killing 185 people with the collapse of several buildings.  Seeing photos of these events can only bring a tear to the eye, driving through the city has the same effect, but it still seems so surreal at the same time.  I doubt I'll ever go near a concrete 'hanging' style staircase again after seeing them 'pancaked'.  I've learned to live with quakes, and think of us all very lucky that this disaster did not take more lives as it easily could have.  My heart goes out to other countries who have experienced similar, esp Japan.  We watched the Japanese search and rescue teams help here, then within a matter of months NZ search and rescue teams returned the favour. 

I still love Christchurch    there is a wonderful sense of community here. 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/photos/4688271/Christchurch-quake-the-first-images
Images from Feb 22nd quake from new website. 

*sigh* just felt like sharing. 

[partypony566]

I'm so sorry, you must live in fear, I know I would  I remember my friend who has all her paternal family living in Christchurch, she was frantic til she heard from them.

It must have been terrifying for you

[kaoskat]

The whole thing is such a mess. The quakes are still going on then I guess?

[Eviecorn]

Earthquakes are really scary!  I can't imagine experiencing a huge quake like that. 

[hathorcat]

What a terrifying thing to go through but Christchurch seems like an amazing community to still hold strong through it all.

[Kiwi]

That would be so terrifying

[Marlin]

Totally feel for you folk. It must be such a scary situation to be in. I wouldn't wish that ongoing fear and uncertainty on anyone.

[Henpatch]

Really - 7,000 since!!!
Hubby and I lived in Palmerston North MANY years ago and experienced a pretty scary (for us!) earthquake. Funny thing was we had 2 pretty budgies in a cage (my daughter was just 2 at the time - easiest "pets") and I woke up to hear them totally flapping and shrilling about! Seconds later the house rattled and shook - I rushed into the nursery and grabbed my daughter - but by that time it was over! For sure the birds scensed something - and being a Mom I slept lightly - that time no real harm to US!
The epicentre was near Wellinton......but it was certainly scary.
I have family and friend in NZ and know many people from there - you are wonderful people and I just hope you can all pull through the terrors of September 2010 and I pray NO MORE for a long long long time! 

[Endocat]

Still happening, and probably more than 7,000 Henpatch, LOL I think they've stopped counting.  Nothing significant for about 6 months tho (that basically means nothing over a magnitude 5).  But its good here - no fear, more just a little apprehension.  Its just surreal here - hard to explain.   
We are lucky, our home has been repaired - 5 new ceilings   and one fireplace pulled out.  But some are still living in shocking conditions.  But we are still far better off than some poor countries.

Beautiful day here today!  YAY