Tuesday, February 22, 2011

a dark night settles over my home town

My home town of Christchurch was hit by a major earthquake today. At least 65 114 145 people are dead. The number is expected to rise, with more than 100 people still trapped in buildings as night falls. The quake struck at lunchtime, with the central city packed with lunchers, workers and shoppers. Numbers of buildings, weakened by the major earthquake last year, have collapsed (here’s a picture of what remains of the central Baptist church).

The damage this time is much more severe that the September 2010 earthquake. As darkness settles, over half the city remains without power. More than a 1000 people are estimated to be homeless.

It’s been an awful day for us here in Australia, watching the news, trying to contact family, hoping that silence was nothing more sinister than a sign of lost power.

But at least we eventually heard the news that those we know and love are safe. Shattered, scared, but safe. For some in Christchurch, no matter how many times the phone rings, it will remain answered.

Posted by steve at 08:11 PM

6 Comments

  1. Thought of you today. Hope family and friends are safe.

    Comment by Phil — February 22, 2011 @ 9:18 pm

  2. steve, thinking of you guys and your networks and roots in Christchurch today. Can’t begin to imagine what the community there are living through.

    prayers….

    Comment by scott — February 22, 2011 @ 9:39 pm

  3. Dear colleague Steve, I am praying for your church, family, friends and city.

    Comment by Glauner, Rio, Brazil — February 22, 2011 @ 10:14 pm

  4. was thinking of you today. glad to know your people are safe, hoping that anyone else i might know is.

    Comment by steve collins — February 23, 2011 @ 3:07 am

  5. Steve – Do you remember Phil and Karen from Auckland? I’ve forgotten their last name. I know that Phil’s family is in Christchurch. Are you still in contact with P & K? By any chance do you know if their family is safe?

    Comment by Lisa Alexander — February 23, 2011 @ 5:56 am

  6. Thinking of you and your compatriots Steve.

    Comment by Mike Todd — February 23, 2011 @ 7:40 am

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