Are We Ready for the Big One?
So many people have told me how much Christchurch is like my hometown of Victoria. These are the similarities I have noticed: both are called The Garden City and both are well-deserving of that name;
Christchurch has already suffered “the big one.” On February 22, 2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake centered almost directly below the city caused massive damaged, injured several thousand people and killed 185.
185 chairs representing the dead
Christchurch and Victoria were developed at about the same time and the heritage buildings were of a similar vintage, but today those in Christchurch that still stand look as though they have been bombed.
Christchurch Cathedral today
It bothers me to think that one day the Empress Hotel or the Parliament building might be in a similar state.
But Christchurch is rebuilding
Christchurch Transitional Cathedral
Just a thought: it’s not enough to be ready for the earthquake; we must also be prepared for the rebuilding.
#Christchurch #Victoria #theGardenCity #thebigone #earthquake