I am writing this from my car, using a power inverter that is plugged into the cigarette lightener with a mobile internet connection. We don’t have power or water or sewerage, and the house looked like someone had ransacked it from one end to the other. It has taken us 8 hours to get the house livable but we are safe and thinking of the others that have not been so lucky. My heart goes out to my fellow Cantabrians and those visitors to our city who have suffered loss of life or severe injury.
I was alone at home when the earthquake hit, and we live just 2km from the epicentre. It was the most frightening thing I have ever experienced, and for a time there I thought that the worst might happen. However, it turns out that the smallest place in the house (yes I hid in the toilet) was one of the safest places to be. When the after shocks finally stopped I was stunned to see that everything was knocked over, all the pictures off the wall, windows smashed, fresh air rushing through the house, glass everywhere, it was awful. But nothing my partner and I couldn’t put right with a long day’s work. I’ve not ventured any further than 800 metres from my house, and count my blessings that I work at home, and live in a neighbourhood full of wonderful friendly and helpful people who all looked after each other. We’ve got a gas cooker, some water, food, and mobile internet off and on. So we’ll be fine.
The afterhocks are awful, they are sharp and went on all of last night – probably every fifteen minutes. Lots more today as well.
Well, it’s getting dark now, and all we have is the candles lighting the house, so I better get back inside! Thanks for all the wishes and thoughts, they are most appreciated.
I’ll post some of my personal photos when I have a more reliable net connection.
Ōtautahi / Christchurch Daily Photo 
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