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After the quake

© Ann Coates

After the quake

Uploaded: September 05, 2010 00:02:53

Description

As some of you may be aware the city I live in, Christchurch, New Zealand, suffered a 7.1 magnitude quake in the early hours of Saturday morning. Whilst there has been a lot of damage to property, roads, etc, there has been no loss of life, mainly due I believe to the quake happening at 4.30am in the morning. If this had happened during business hours there is no doubt people would have died. The central city is closed off because a lot of older buildings have collapsed. Some suburbs have suffered badly whilst others, like mine, have escaped unscathed, probably due to the fact it is a modern suburb. This image was taken today down at the lake where I photograph a lot of my birds. This is the car park area. This represents some of the more minor damage our city has sustained. The cost to our city is expected to be in the billions. Buildings can be repaired. On another sad note, on the same day at Fox Glacier, a light plane crashed killing nine people on board.

Exif: F Number: 4.5, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 250, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 24.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 40D

Comments

Brett Dolsen September 05, 2010

Great to hear you are safe and no damage Ann!!Great reporting and wonderfull composition for this major event! #1305004

Carolyn J. Connolly September 05, 2010

I totally agree with Brett's sentiments here, Ann - it's REALLY good news that you and your family, and your area, have faired so well during the 'quake!! :o)

Superb capture of the carpark damage here, my friend!! :o) There'll be a LOT of repairs and rebuilding to be done in the CC area over the next quite a while!! :o( #8882490

Renee Doyle September 05, 2010

I was thinking of you but wasn't sure exactly where you lived!!!!! So relieved to hear that you are well Ann!! New Zealand certainly had an awful day on Saturday and our thoughts are with you all!!! The plane crash was a terrible tragedy but the amazing news is that no-one was critically injured in the quake!! I am sure you will be sharing with us some amazing pics of the destruction all around you!! Take care! #8882502

Dick W. Wyatt September 05, 2010

Glad you and your loved ones are safe.
I listened to news reports Saturday and couldn't belive the people came through so good.

Thanks for sharing and keep us posted.
Dick #8882527

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic September 05, 2010

So sorry to hear the destruction in your city and glad that no lives were lost, Ann. Thats a huge gaping crevice, I hope Christchurch comes back to normal life asap.

UB. #8882528

Barbara Mason September 05, 2010

We only suffered broken ornaments, some damage to roof tiles, lead round chimney etc., and loss of power for 12 hours, murky water (we have our own well) - so lucky, unfortunately many in the inner City area will have their homes demolished - one of our guys rang tonight to say his elderly mother's home at Belfast has suffered from liquification (as so many others) and will have to be demolished.
We are still experiencing noise and some short sharp explosive aftershocks. I have only seen the devastation on the news (T.V.) - we have very strong high winds this evening, forecast is heavy rain so fingers crossed our roof and chimney hold up. I have not seen anything like your photo as yet - keep warm and safe Barbara #8882544

Michelle Alton September 05, 2010

I just realized I hadn't swallowed since my eyes fell on your thumbnail, Ann. I echo the sentiments of everyone else, starting with Brett. You are safe and unscathed, and Barbara is also safe. I feel for everyone who has been touched by this devastation. What an amazing shot! The duck looks bewildered too. #8882552

John Connolly September 05, 2010

An amazing sight Ann! I am so happy yours and Barbara's family came through this ordeal as well as you did!
Our thought are with you, and we hope the predicted storm doesn't do much more damage! #8883589

Chris Ebben September 05, 2010

A very frightening image. It was so good to hear from you & Barbara, saying you were all safe. Look after yourselves & keep safe=^..^= #8883871

Phillip R. Connolly September 11, 2010

It's been a little while since I have had the time to comment on photo's, Ann, and a week since your devastating shake up over your way! It is so good that loss of life didn't occur and injury was kept to a minimum. I really like the angle you got down to take this image. It presents a dramatic touch that says it all!

Phil #8894598

Tiia Vissak October 15, 2010

Congratulations! #8968946

Stefania Barbier level-classic October 15, 2010

wonderful finalist, congratulations!!! #8969566

Nancy (Peaches) Harker October 15, 2010

Photobucket

WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
HUGE CONGRATS on your finalist!
Best of luck in the next round!

Photobucket
#8969596

Carol L. Fowler October 15, 2010

Congrats! I was in your beautiful city years ago and am sad to see this destruction. #8970786

Merna L. Nobile October 15, 2010

Every month, with our camera in hand, we go out and find what we hope will be the “winning photo.”
Those of us that don’t get recognized, just continue to search for that special image, until one day the Congratulations come pouring in from some of the best artist and friends anyone could image.
So to the Better Photo winners for the month of September, I congratulate you on a job so well done.
My very best to all of you, Merna Nobile
#8971435

Rona L. Schwarz October 15, 2010

Glad to see that you and your family were unharmed in this devastation, Ann. I've become much more aware of NZ's propensity to experience major quakes since my visit there earlier this year. Hope that Christchurch bounces back quickly. Meanwhile, this is a superb capture of the damage...the poor duck looks bewildered. CONGRATULATIONS on your Finalist, and good luck in the next round! #8972211

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe October 16, 2010

Congrats Ann on your Fantastic Finalist! Jeff #8975018

Erica Murphy level-classic October 16, 2010

That is a very dramatic image Ann! Congratulations! Glad to hear you and your family are safe. #8975512

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