Christchurch is still “open for business” despite the earthquake that rattled the city on September 4, 2010, badly damaging over 500 buildings and traumatising local residents who tried to evacuate. The tremblor measured 7.1 on the Richter scale.
While a state of emergency and a curfew remain in place, the work of repair and assessment has begun. Many downtown shops and restaurants are operating again as is the Christchurch International Airport. There may be some flight delays and passengers have been advised to contact their airlines for updates.
Public transport is also up and running. Christchurch City bus services are due to restart this morning and railway services have resumed.
Most hotels and tourist attractions are also functioning. These include the Crowne Plaza Christchurch, Holiday Inn City Centre Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon Christchurch and the Marque hotel, while the Millenium Hotel Christchurch and Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Durham Street, which sustained some damage, is partially operating.
The Christchurch Convention Centre and Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts re-opened yesterday, having been cleared to host events.
Water, electricity and telecommunications services have also resumed.
For more information, visit www.newzealand.com/earthquake/ and for an interactive Google map indicating the status quo of buildings can be found at www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz
Alisha Haridasani