Significant loss of life in huge Christchurch quake
It came without warning at lunchtime on February 22 but there is no mistaking the absolute devastation it left in its wake.
Buildings big and small lay in ruins around Christchurch city, with large hunks of debris littering the now deserted streets where people had run for their lives.
However, it’s the terrible toll the shallow 6.3 magnitude earthquake has taken on the people of Christchurch which has left the already fragile city in complete disarray.
The heart has been ripped from the city but not from resilient Cantabrians. Many are everyday heroes, risking their own lives to help others to safety.
At time of writing, 147 people had been reported dead. This number is expected to rise with many people still reported missing.
Emergency response
Police, Fire, Ambulance, Army and urban search and rescue workers worked tirelessly, around the clock, to rescue people still trapped in collapsed buildings.
The Canterbury Television building in Madras St and the Pyne Gould Corporation building in Cambridge Terrace were two buildings that completely collapsed.
Police nightshift commander Superintendent Russell Gibson described Christchurch as “absolute carnage”.
“There are bodies littering the streets. They are trapped in cars, crushed under rubble, and where they are. It is clear they are dead,” he said, adding that the focus of the rescuers had to be on the living.
Painstaking process
Mr Gibson said rescue efforts were a “painstaking process” and described it as a terrible situation for everyone involved.
A large Police team has been sent to Christchurch as well as 300 police officers from around Australia, some of whom are DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) experts.
More teams from around the world were expected to arrive as this issue went to press.
Within 24 hours of the quake, St John Ambulance staff had attended 350 incidents.
Hospitals stretched
Hospitals were also stretched to the limit, with around 200 people being treated at Christchurch Hospital on the first night.
When speaking to The Press, the acting head of the Emergency Department of Christchurch Hospital, Mike Ardagh, said a number of successful amputations had taken place but he confirmed some patients had not survived their injuries.
Timaru, Princess Margaret and Burwood Hospitals were utilised to take the pressure off Christchurch Hospital and a makeshift mortuary, which was originally housed in Hagley Park, was moved to Burnham Army Camp to accommodate the growing number of fatalities.
Government’s response
Prime Minister John Key said Christchurch was witnessing the havoc caused by a violent and ruthless act of nature.
“These deaths are the greatest loss. They remind us that buildings are just buildings, roads are just roads, but our people are irreplaceable.
Today, all New Zealanders grieve for you Christchurch,” he said.
Mr Key spoke about how all New Zealanders have a piece of their heart in Christchurch and wanted Canterbury residents to know that they would “get through this”.
“This proud country is right behind you and we are backing you with all our might…On behalf of the Government, let me be clear that no one will be left to walk this journey alone. New Zealand will walk this journey with you.
We will be there every step of the way.” He also paid tribute to the hundreds of search and rescue workers, emergency personnel, medical professionals and others who are contributing to the rescue effort.
