kiwigirlinalain

I really don't know how you cope. Every morning since I got back the first thing I do is log on to geonet and quake.crowe! I worry constantly. I hate being so far away and try to do practical things to help. Have arranged counselling for my Dad, my sister and my dead sister's partner as they are all still quite fragile. My sister's children and grandchildren have fled to Auckland. I cry a lot! x

Charismatic

Wasn't the speech John Key gave odd, he just said “We’re all behind you etc. etc.” then just at the moment when you thought he was going to say something profoundly uplifting and moving to unite the nation again, win the trust and goodwill of the people during dark times, he say “I’m going to India with some other ministers on trade talks…” like he was absolutly determined to use that press conference to announce that trip (which is doubly odd since it could be seen as running away during a potential crisis at the time). Just to rub salt in the wound he say he is going to send Gerry Brownlee .

Also stuff suggests the intensity have been revised upwards by GeoNet:

chippy64

I too log on to internet and check the ChCh quake map every morning. I cried when I spoke to Sam yesterday, which was the last thing he needed, TBH. I have suggested counselling to him but he is a very introverted young man and is not keen. I also seem to spend a lot of time crying!
My boys did go out after the 6.0 to see if anyone needed help (and to check out what had happened). They helped a lady with her disabled husband, so once again I am a proud Mum .

Take care Kiwigirl - think of you often.

shirl

Poor you, my heart goes out to you and your family, we are near Christchurch and it is not a pleasant place to be at the moment. I have no idea what to say to you except that time does heal and things are sure to get better at some point in time and hopefully the family in Auckland are feeling much safer now and your Dad having counselling will hopefully help him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your sister's partner will never forget her and one day may find the strength to pick himself up and start over. Cry if you need to I am sure it does release some of the anxiety and tension going on right now. Hugs to you and yours xx

Charismatic

Now we have no electricity :-(

Charlie Paynter

But you are still posting!

My thoughts are with you all. I know Christchurch very well, a beautiful part of the world and with the Kiwi attitude, it will be a success again.

Just been reading in the media that since the earthquake in February, there has been 7,500 after-shocks. Saying that, why are these recent quakes still being classified as 'after shocks'?

Charismatic

Mobile internet.

shirl

Apparently yesterdays first one was a foreshock to the second one which was an earthquake on a new fault which has been triggered by the first one back in September! Well that is if you can believe what they say, don't think anyone really knows the answers!

Am Loolah

I really hope you're right, but I'm not so sure. I think more and more people are going to move out of ChCh now and in the foreseeable future and less people move there. Any rebuild will take years and years.

It was on the news tonight that locals aren't even trying to clean up in some places after yesterday as they just don't see the point now.

CarolineSwan

i just feel so horrible for you all , i mean im glad its not happening where i am, but i sure wish it wasnt happening down there either

Charismatic

Christchurch residents have really got it good at the moment in other ways, their houses are actually increasing in value (unlike most places) if undamaged (but this may be short lived when repaired ones flood the market). Also there was a growth in job listings here (where as there was a decrease in most other places). We could have some great new parks on unbuildable land. Think of other cities that where destroyed and rebuilt like London and Berlin post WW2 and Napier and central Wellington. I might be over optimistic because my lecky is back though .

The faster we can work the more people will stay, earthquakes or not, there is an equilibrium and if there is work people will come. Build it and they will come, after all if people will live in the UAE deserts or permafrost of Alberta why not the more hospitable Christchurch?

ExKiwilass

I think the length of time it's going on for is killing people emotionally...was on my friend's FB wall yesterday - they are in CHCH and he said physically they are fine but emotionally not doing well at all..kids all over the place. To think this has been going on since last year.

ExKiwilass

I think the uncertainty is going to be the problem Charis. At least with Alberta you know when the winter comes, it's a predictable event. Anyway I hope you are right but I certainly don't judge people for leaving.

dannigirl

Kiwigirlinalain - it is nice to see you back on here giving an update. You have been through so much, I can't even imagine. Sounds like you are an amazing support for your family

Chippy64 - you too are amazing, being stuck over here whilst your hubby and son are in Chch, crikey it must be so stressful. Your son sounds amazing, I totally forget about all the really vulnerable people like the elderly or disabled that have to depend on other people.

I really hope this ends soon for all the people of Chch...enough already mother nature!!

Charismatic

Always so bloody early in the morning, it's Friday FFS. Annoying hateful aftershock things depriving me of sleep, I feel like giving 'mother nature' a punch in the face .

Can’t understand people getting so emotional about how hard it all is, especially people who still have electricity and water, but the sleep I can sympathize with.

<Grump, grump, grump >