Christchurch Earthquake Relief Journal (Day 1)

Arrival at Christchurch airport was met by some very moving expressions of appreciation by flight crew and passengers. We travelled to CBS Arena for a briefing by Major Daryl Crowden and a very warm welcome by other New Zealand Salvationists. Tea was provided at the Arena which gave us a great opportunity to hear stories about the relief effort from team members who have been on the ground for the past few days.

Motel accommodation has been provided at the Riccarton Mall Motel, which is very close to the city centre where a quick tour gave us an insight to the extent of the damage. I went for a run around Hagley Park where I saw mounds of liquefaction, a fine acidic soil rising to the surface from the earthquake. The park also accommodated a large group of evacuees in caravans - a sort of "caravan city". It makes staying in a motel just up the road feel a little bit out of place.