An aerial view of Christchurch taken a couple of weeks ago. Many, many gaps are already apparent. For example, you can see a very bare Cashel Street along from the Bridge of Remembrance (centre-right). The Hotel Grand Chancellor, the tallest building in this picture, is just one of the many still to be demolished. A very sad sight for all those who love Christchurch.
Photographs courtesy of Alastair Wiffen RC of Nelson
And from the Bulletin:
Wiff spoke of his respect for the residents of Christchurch in their resolve, determination and demonstration of true grit. The people were tired and scratchy for a reason, as their whole world was turned upside down. Wiff said it was 10x worse than anything portrayed on TV.
Even today, the 250 ton crane used in demolition of the largest buildings,when it moves the ground behind it will liquefy from the sheer size of the crane. It only indicates the condition of the soil beneath, and the problems to be faced in the future. Some of the buildings are intact, simply leaning due to the unstable soil beneath them.
One of the solutions being considered, pump grout into holes bored beneath the buildings. With enough pressure, the cavities can be filled and the buildings righted. These new technologies are expensive, come from Japan and the USA, but have never been used on such a large scale. It could prove economically feasible if $2-5,000,000 would be spent to save a 50,000,000 building. Wiff ended by saying he felt it a privilege to work with the people of Christchurch and will never say “harden up”after seeing how they have coped with the quakes.
He is proud of the work Rotary has done in the region, and challenged us to continue to support them, as it will be a long recovery.
