Earthquake

At 2 minutes past midnight on 14 November 2016, north Canterbury was struck by a 7.8 strength earthquake. Effects were widespread. The town of Kiakoura attracted the most attention - it was cut off from the outside world as.both the rail line and the main State Highway 1 were destroyed by slippage and rockfalls. A thousand people were evacuated by helicopter. A US aircraft carrier landed emergency aid. Thankfully, the death toll only amounted to two.

The sea bed rose by several metres, resulting in the death of many resident crustaceans. The whales and seals disappeared pronto.

Today, the seals and whales have returned. The people, too, are remarkable resilient. Major work is still taking place to restore rail and road - although both are now operating, with long delays.

This board sums up local sentiment. “It’s happened! Nothing we can do to change it! So we get on and fix things!