What Happened On February 22nd?

On February 22nd, 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand, lunchtime began for the 367,000 civilians like any other Tuesday. However, all of a sudden at precisely 12:51 PM, the ground began to tremble. A 6.3 magnitude earthquake, less than a year after the Haiti 2010 quake, shattered the city and the illusion of just a normal day.

Buildings, already weakened by a previous tremor the year before, crumbled under the renewed assault. Dust plumes surrounding all of Christchurch, while screams and the cries of emergency sirens were all that people were able to hear. The iconic Christchurch Cathedral, a symbol of resilience in the urban area, lost its spire as it crumbled to the ground. The Pyne Gould Corporation building collapsed, where a majority of the lives were lost. Fear and chaos were prominent everywhere throughout the city as aftershocks continued to rock the fragile ground.

Despite the wreckage, brave strangers banded together as they pulled away debris and tended to the injured. Rescue workers, emergency personnel, and volunteers worked tirelessly, while the whole community rallied, drawing strength from shared experience and refusing to be broken.

“And I must admit at that moment I thought, that’s it, I’ve just … I’ve run out of time and I just felt I’m gonna die. I just thought that was the end,” recalls survivor, Morag Aldridge.

The days that followed were filled primarily with the task of recovery. People across the world and in New Zealand wept and mourned over the 185 lives lost and the countless shattered lives. Compared to the higher magnitude (6.6) earthquake in Sylmar in 1971, almost triple the casualties were counted in Christchurch, even though the magnitude was smaller.

Years have passed, and Christchurch has transformed. The earthquake may have shaken the foundations of Christchurch, but it could not break its will as new buildings are intact with better infrastructure. My hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this tragic disaster.

Questions, Comments, Concerns?

This is a terrible day for a small town. After an earthquake the year before, there was not too much they could have done.

If you have any thoughts or remarks, I am happy to discuss with you.