Hotels evacuate guests in Christchurch

Wellington December 26 Dr George Abraham The Earthquake shocks and after-shocks experienced by Christchurch at 209 am today sent visitors, most of them from overseas, into a state of despair, forcing them to leave the Garden City.

The shocks could further hurt businesses in the Central Business District (CBD).

However, the shocks were not as devastating as they were on September 4 when the major earthquake occurred.

About 95% of the occupants at the CBD hotels are holidaymakers from overseas and other parts of New Zealand

The Centre of the recent quakes is the place around the Cathedral Square, specifically at the corner area of Gloucester and Herford. Thousands of holidaymakers from the neighbouring Millennium Hotel, Novotel, Holiday Inn, Crown Plaza etc were evacuated to the Cathedral Square this morning.

Hotels are among the worst hit, as hundreds of guests leave, with the authorities putting in place emergency measures. For most visitors, the events today was a ‘shocking experience.’

Indian Newslink talked to a German holidaymaker in Novotel at the CBD.

She said, “Oh my God, this is scary; I even thought that I was on my Exerciser, back home in Munich”.

All around the CBD, people were in a state of panic. I could see heaps of Caravans, Cars and Taxis rushing out of town.

This could be a great blow for most businesses, which were gradually recovering and getting at least some business after three months of stagnation and looking forward to the festive season. 

A CCC opposition Councillor, who spoke on condition of anonymity exclaimed, “George, jump into the Mayor’s chair and give directions to the panic people in town.”

This was indeed reality – a majority of law-enforcing authorities were on holiday celebrating Christmas.

The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM), in which this Correspondent is a volunteer, is very active.

Nonetheless, the aftermath of the ‘shock’ witnessed some scary moments. There were however no damages as I filed this report.

Dr George Abraham is our Correspondent based in Christchurch. He took the above picture depicting overseas visitors leaving Christchurch.