Two years ago, Christchurch was hit by a major earthquake. Listen to September 4th 2010 to hear about this earthquake.
Although there was damage and liquefaction, nobody was killed. It was the February 22nd 2011 earthquake which was so devastating. Much of the central city was destroyed and 183 people died as a result of that earthquake.
There have been over 11,000 after-shocks since September 4th 2010 although many of those are now quite small. Nevertheless, more than 50 after-shocks were 5 or more on the Richter scale. Scientists use statistics of other earthquakes around the world to tell us that there is still a 74% chance of another big earthquake – 5 or more on the Richter scale – in the next year.
EQC, the Earthquake Commission, has paid out $3.3bn so far for earthquake repairs to buildings. However, many people are still waiting for repairs to their homes. The City Council expects that repairs to the infrastructure of the city – roads, water and sewage pipes and electricity – will cost $10m this year.
The central city is mostly closed except for a few streets. Most businesses have moved out of the city. More than 1000 buildings in the central city have been demolished. Demolitions are still continuing. However today, the first central city hotel re-opened after spending $10m on repairs and renovations. Perhaps this is a positive sign that life will soon return to normal in Christchurch.
Vocabulary
liquefaction – water and silt from under the ground comes above ground
devastating – terrible destruction causing a strong feeling of shock
renovation – making the building look like new again, especially the interior
demolish (v); demolition (n)
Adjectives
Many adjectives change their ending, depending on the subject e.g. A storm is frightening; people are frightened
The earthquake was devastating; people were devastated.
Make sentences with these pairs of adjectives: amazing / amazed; interesting / interested; disappointing / disappointed; exhausting / exhausted; tiring / tired; annoying / annoyed