Currently it is 4 days post quake and there is still a search going on in Chch for the living and the dead, although hope is very much fading that anyone will be found alive now. It is such a dreadful, tragic thing. Every time I saw footage of people I scanned the faces, wondering if it was someone I know or work with. The PGG building is a mess, it pancaked down but many people survived in that building. Every survivor that they pulled out said the same thing: They got out, and when they turned to look at the building, none of them could believe what they were seeing or that they survived it. By far the worst building was the CTV building, it just seemed to dissolve into a pile of burning rubble. A Macedonian man managed to reach his wife by cell phone many hours after the quake. She was trapped in the building and had lost three fingers but was OK and was with others. I waited and waited for her to be rescued...but they never found her. The saddest building was the cathedral. A group of people at work were watching events unfold on TV when they showed the spire collapsed. Everyone in the room gasped, it was like the heart had been ripped out Christchurch. When I was down there a few short weeks ago I had thought it sad that the cross had fallen off the cathedral and yet, I now wish with all my heart that that was all that was wrong with it.
Bob Harvey (the mayor) has been incredible. The man simply doesn't seem to sleep. He is compassionate, caring, focused, calm and a tower of strength for Christchurch. He is so positive and yet realistic. He brings hope but doesn't promise false hope. Jon Key has also been a true leader. He speaks so eloquently (not the official speeches that are written FOR him, they are almost unworthy) but I feel like he always 'tells it like it is'. He looks exhausted but I admire him immensly. The USAR crews all deserve medals they have all worked tirelessly alongside the Firemen, Police, Army and Navy. Then there are all the Civil Defence people, Red Cross and just the every day people trying to make a difference. I feel humbled by the international response. The USAR teams that have been sent from other countries are God sent!!!!
All my friends and colleagues in Chch are safe. I confess I cried when I finally heard from the last one, I was so relieved. They have all been lucky and their families and homes are intact.
I have found it a difficult week. Here I am tucked up safe and sound in Auckland and all I want to do is help. Watching the fear and anguish on television has been heart breaking and I have shed a tear more than once.
I don't know how Christchurch can survive this second dreadful blow but over the last few days of watching people pick themselves up and find a way forward and watching Bob Parker I believe that it will and it will be stronger and better.
I have only been to Chch a handful of times in my life but I love the city, it has a vibe, a heart and soul that is beautiful and it will rise again.
Kia Kaha Christchurch.
A Colleague's desk moments after the quake
The dome outside the window of the Chch office
The Cathedral, moments after it collapsed
