Christchurch residents were shocked and alarmed when after a fairly quiet period the city was shaken by a series of strong aftershocks. These started with a 5.8 shake at 1:58pm on the 23rd December 2011. The strongest earthquake in the cluster was a 6.0 at 3:18pm on the same day. The shaking continued overnight with several quakes of magnitude 4 plus and a 5.1 at 6:37am.
Shopping Malls Affected by the December 23rd Aftershocks
Immediately after the 5.8 aftershock, all the major city malls and Christchurch Airport were closed and evacuated. This hit retailers hard with it being one of the busiest days in the year for sales. After an overnight assessment, Riccarton Mall and Northlands Mall reopened with the proviso that not all stores would be functioning in the morning. This was largely due to the time needed to clear up the mess and shattered glassware caused by the repeated shaking. Cosmetic damage was visible in both malls with cracks and damage to plaster. The Palms Mall remained closed as did Eastgate Mall. Both hope to reopen after Christmas.
Effects of the December 23rd Aftershocks on Christchurch’s Infrastructure
Although parts of the wastewater system were damaged by the quakes, the Christchurch City Council website reported on the 24th December that the water was safe for drinking. “Water infrastructure is holding. Sampling of water in reservoirs and wells will continue today. There is no need to boil water.” The same site informed the public that “Contractors are busy clearing roads filling in potholes to assist with access and making roads safe.” People who had lost sewage were asked to revert to using chemical toilets and portaloos.
Liquefaction occurred again in the eastern suburbs with some roads still being flooded 24 hours later. Locals were seen in gum boots, digging thick gooey silt from driveways and gardens.
The Emotional Impact of the 23rd December Aftershocks
Following the June 13th 6.3 earthquake the frequency of aftershocks had declined to a place where people had started to feel safe again. The latest seismic activity has evoked an emotional response from many with some saying they have now had enough. The timing of the latest aftershocks ruined Christmas plans for many and the spirit in the malls on Christmas Eve was subdued. While some residents are upbeat and say they still plan on enjoying the season, others say Christmas is over for them.
Each large aftershock delays the rebuild in Christchurch and causes fear and upset in people of all ages. Some have described the December 23rd aftershocks as a terrible end to a terrible year. It is hoped that 2012 will bring healing and hope to a city that has suffered so much loss.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
Join the Conversation