Christchurch Earthquake

We wanted to discuss the Christchurch earthquake today.  Most of us had seen television reports and graphic images of the destruction caused by the quake.  We were particularly saddened by the story of the mother who died while clutching her baby.  We think that little baby is so lucky to have survived.  Another story that touched us was the one about the international student who was trapped in a building and had to have his leg amputated in order for him to be rescued.  What a sad story.  We feel so sorry for all the people affected by this tragic disaster.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.

Here is the report we wrote today about the earthquake:

Christchurch Earthquake

On February 22nd there was a massive earthquake in Christchurch.  It measured 6.3 on the Richter Scale and occurred at 1pm when people were having their lunch break.  Many buildings collapsed and more were damaged.  Lots of people were trapped inside buildings when they collapsed.  Sixty five people are known to have died and many were rescued but some people are still trapped inside buildings and cars.

We painted pictures to illustrate the devastation caused by the earthquake.

LG's picture shows that buildings have collapsed, buildings are on fire and people have been damaged too.  Helicopters have been flying around and ambulances are going in and out. 

RD's picture shows the buildings that collapsed in Christchurch as a result of the earthquake.

 JA's picture shows the many damaged houses in Christchurch city. 

Some people died because some buildings fell on them.

JT's painting shows people who have been hurt, buildings which have fallen down

and a helicopter that is being used to look for people that are trapped in the rubble. 

The roads have big cracks in them too.

KT's picture shows a police car being used to drive the injured to hospital. 

There is a damaged house.  See how it is tilted to the side

and notice that many bricks have fallen off the side of the house. 

AR's picture shows a traumatised person following the scary earthquake. 

All the buildings are falling down.

AM's picture shows someone falling out of a high-rise building after the Christchurch earthquake.

Everyone who was inside a building tried to get to safety outside. 

Some had to climb up to the roof of buildings to be rescued by helicopters. 

DO's picture reminds us that many cars were damaged when parts of buildings collapsed on top of them.  Some people were killed in their cars when they were squashed by falling debri.

 I'm going to tell you all about my picture.  In Christchurch people were having their lunch break at 1pm

when all of a sudden an earthquake came.  It was a very big one at 6.3.  Some people were crushed

under buildings and some people fell down and couldn't get up!  Buildings had no roofs. 

People were worried if they could survive or not.  I feel very sorry for all the people in Christchurch. 

(KL, Year 3)

HG's picture shows an ambulance carrying an injured old man to the hospital.

There are many broken buildings.  Bricks litter the roads and footpaths.  It's dangerous to drive in the city.

AD reminded us that there have been many aftershocks following the big quake.

SC's picture shows a church collapsing on a car. 

Unfortunately some people died in their cars when things fell on them.  The roads broke too.