>Christchurch Earthquake 22 February 2011
>Christchurch was struck by a very powerful 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday 22 February, 2011 at 12.51pm. As the epicentre of the quake was only 5km below the surface of Lyttelton it resulted in the devastation of numerous Mt Pleasant homes and severe damage to many others. Some homes on Soleares Ave have been evacuated and closed to through traffic due to the danger of rock fall. Due to quake damage the local school, Mt Pleasant Primary, will be out of action for a least two more weeks.
On the day of the earthquake many parents drove, ran and walked as fast as they could to locate their children at the school. With the Ferrymead Bridge sealed off people either took the alternate route through Heathcote or traversed the bridge anyway, many in bare feet, through knee deep liquefaction. All were relieved to arrive at the school and see that the children were safe and being well-looked after by the school staff. Principal Scott Thelning did an incredible job of organising everyone and by 3pm was arranging for parents to establish a tent city for the homeless and the shocked. For many the school was a safe haven for the ensuing few days after the earthquake and is still continuing as a site where the general community can collect water and find sanitary services until normal services are restored.
Mt Pleasant Community Centre has not yet been assessed for damage and will remain closed until further notice. Anyone needing to use the Centre please contact the Chair on 384-2160.
