Editorial: A sharp reminder

OPINION: New Zealanders are well used to experiencing earthquakes, but it is not often that one of the magnitude that struck close to Christchurch early on Saturday occurs and even rarer for it to happen near a major city.

The terrifying strength of Saturday's quake, and the destruction it wreaked on the city and surrounding areas, showed, if any demonstration were needed, how vital it is that no matter how familiar quakes may be in the Shaky Isles, we cannot afford to become blase about them.

As many have observed since the main quake struck, Canterbury must count itself lucky that it occurred when it did, when the streets and buildings were empty and most people were at home in bed, for that is almost certainly the reason no-one was killed and only two were seriously injured.

The material losses, nonetheless, are heavy and the cleanup and repairs will probably take years before they are all complete.

The first response of people in the city and other areas affected has been driven by the best spirit of neighbourliness and community mindedness.

From small stories, like one of a couple who had never met their neighbour, whose roof was badly damaged in the quake, but happened to have a roofer friend staying so they all pitched in for the afternoon and helped make everything safe, to the big contracting firms such as Fulton Hogan, who rapidly mobilised their considerable resources around the city, everyone did what they could to help others.

The only instance of untoward behaviour, misleadingly reported as "looting", appears to have been committed by a couple of drunks who opportunistically filched booze from a damaged liquor store.

Already the losses have been estimated at $2 billion or more. Much of the damage to buildings will, of course, be covered by insurance, but other losses, from businesses that can no longer operate, for instance, will not be covered. Many people are going to face financial strain.

The Christchurch City Council and other local bodies will face huge unbudgeted expenses for repairs. Prime Minister John Key has pledged the Government will help. This assistance is welcome and it must be generous and prompt.

Less tangible psychological damage, to children and others badly frightened by the event, may be less readily repaired and will require much support from family and friends.

The incident has emphatically underscored the wisdom of the city council's policy requiring buildings to be brought up to earthquake standard. Occasionally, some landlords and tenants have complained about the expense of this. There will be few who will complain now.

The quake has also brought home the necessity of following the advice promulgated by the Earthquake Commission in recent years to prepare for such disasters, particularly by having an adequate supply of water, torches, medical supplies and the like.

Some who had not heeded that advice found themselves suddenly made aware of its soundness and, when electricity was restored on Saturday and shopping could resume, rushed to follow it. It might not be so easy next time.

For all its terrifying power, this earthquake was not the big one that seismologists believe is overdue.

There has been serious damage this time, but it could have been much worse. If it was worse, unpreparedness would have graver results.

- © Fairfax NZ News