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Earthquake destruction is now turning to demolition as buildings
weakened by the 7.1 quake on Saturday start to come down.
Some of those facing the wrecking ball are some of the landmarks of
the Christchurch central city.
The seven-storey former New Zealand Express Co building/MLC building on the corner of Hereford and Manchester Streets is one of the buildings that will be demolished.
The building is a category 1 New Zealand Historic Places Trust building and was built in 1906. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest in Christchurch.
The other building is the Cecil House/Country Theme building on the corner of St Asaph and Manchester Streets. It is a two-storey, neo-classical style building built in 1877.
But it is not just historic buildings facing the wrecking ball.
Small business owners have been hit hard to with their places of work also having been red carded by inspectors.
One of those is Ed Rapley, whose hairdressing salon of 12 years will be demolished.
He says he and his family, who helped set up the business, are unsure if the salon will reopen on the site ever again.
The demolitions are part of an effort to open up businesses so things can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
But while the demolitions continue, aftershocks are adding to
difficulties for Civil Defence engineers trying to determine which
buildings are safe.
They say aftershocks have thrown things into disarray, delaying the
clean up.
There have been more than eight aftershocks in Christchurch on Tuesday, keeping Cantabrians on the edge, with each tremor treated with extreme caution.
Structural engineers checking the latest damage today forced staff at the local radio station to re-locate after the building on Worcester Street, one of the biggest in the city, was deemed unsafe.
Thermal imaging teams were also out making sure power was getting to the people.
Thermal Imaging NZ Rob Buis says they are like the drug dogs at the airport.
"We're identifying any hot spots, any loose connections, so we're the early warning system,"
A step forward, two steps back
In four hours, Christchurch was rocked by five significant shocks, two of them 5.4 on the Richter scale, the strongest since the 7.1 quake rocked the region.
Christchurch mayor Bob Parker said because of the aftershocks, the city's recovery has taken a hit.
"In terms of our recovery programme, we were taking big steps forward; we took a step back last night."
The latest shocks sent the team at Civil Defence into overdrive. Water is still one of the main problems with 360 breaks in water and wastewater lines having been found
And that means there is still potential for illness, with authorities repeating their health warnings
There was progress though, with bus services restarting today.
Police and army personnel are still manning the streets tonight though.
A 28-year-old man was being held in custody for allegedly looting a sports bar in central Christchurch
Police alleged Kyle Paul McEntee got into the Holy Grail sports bar about 9.15am on Saturday, about five hours after a door had been electronically released by the earthquake.
They say he took 32 bottles of alcohol and two cans of energy drink, piled them into a plastic container and headed off along Worcester Boulevard.
All of the "loot" has been recovered and returned to the bar.
And Christchurch criminals on community work sentences will be stepping in to help with the earthquake cleanup.
Christchurch Community Probation Services (CPS) area manager Nick Scott said work parties had been organised today and priority had been given to earthquake recovery work.
CPS had a "large labour pool" with over 2400 offenders on community work in Christchurch available.
Offenders would help cleanup debris and sand build-ups; support the work of welfare centres and long-term recovery projects.
Aftershocks close welfare centre
Of the three welfare centres offering vital support to hundreds
of displaced people in Christchurch tonight, only two are open
tonight after aftershocks forced the closure of the Burnside
centre.
One of the centres still open at the Addington raceway says they
are expecting more people and if push comes to shove, the centre
may take in 1000 tonight.
Volunteers at Addington they are making sure everyone is fed, others are helping to keep the kids occupied. There is even volunteer entertainment.
Volunteers at the centre say they are just amazed at the generosity from the public but are still pleading for more pillows and mattresses.
The Prime Minister popped in for a visit at the welfare centre tonight, bringing some welcome smiles from the people at the centre, some who are spending their fourth night away from their damaged homes.
Key's visit was halted briefly as a fire alarm went off, causing a partial evacuation before it was found to be a false alarm.
He returned quickly to serve food in the Salvation Army kitchen, and sit down on the make-shift beds for a few more chats with families at the centre.
Schools
Becuase of continuos aftershocks, the Ministry of Education has advised schools and early childhood centres within the boundaries of Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Selwyn District Council should be closed until Monday.
They will be open to teachers before that, subject to a structural clearance.
The Ministry says more time is needed to check schools and early childhood centre buildings due to the extent of initial damage and to aftershock damage occurring to buildings already checked.
Bob Parker is also set to announce a significant package in the next couple of days, including funding for businesses and legislation changes that will help the local councils deal with the clean up and cut through the red tape.
Best way to cope with the ongoing
aftershocks:
- Civil defence suggests setting up a routine each night,
- Have torches within handy reach.
- Clear obstructions from doorways and hallways in case you have to
get up and get out in a hurry.
- If you wear glasses, keep them close at hand too.
- And have clothes, shoes and drinkable water prepared as well.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentmusopete said on 2010-09-10 @ 12:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
Go the Kiwi battler! Hold ya heads high.
Australianne said on 2010-09-10 @ 11:40 NZDT: Report abusive post
2nd that about the light font...it is difficult to read. Just wanted to say I'm so proud of NZers for the way in which they've pulled together in such a uniquely Kiwi way. No other country (even Australia) comes close to that! Well, maybe Australia comes close, but still, Kiwis lead the world in their kind-hearted attitude in the face of disaster.
H said on 2010-09-10 @ 10:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
Would love to comment but the comments are displayed on this website in such a tiny, light coloured font that they're virtually unreadable.
SSAMA said on 2010-09-10 @ 07:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
CD has done a great job in difficult circumstances - difficult to get up to date info to people without power. Website I have found most useful for info is the TVNZ live updates - great that it is updated regularly and the info is generally accurate. Well done TVNZ
Australianne said on 2010-09-09 @ 20:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
Given that TVNZ is probably a world leader in their ability to keep us all informed after the earthquake, CD has done an ok job. But note, that is 'ok', not 'wonderful'. CD should link up with TVNZ and learn how to get that info out in a timely manner! This is more a pat on the back to TVNZ than having a go at CD. I'm sure they have lots of other duties keeping them busy. Keep it up guys. Well done.