Nation observes 10 years since deadly earthquake
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand lowered its flags on Monday and made special note of those who couldn’t travel as it marked the 10th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake that killed 185 people.
Hundreds attended an outdoor service in Christchurch, which continues to rebuild from the magnitude 6.3 quake that destroyed much of its downtown. A separate service was also held in the northern Japanese city of Toyama, home to 12 students who died in the quake.
Speaking at the Christchurch ceremony, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was important to remember that 87 of the victims were foreigners and many of their families couldn’t be there because of coronavirus travel restrictions.
“Our flags fly at halfmast for them today too,” she said.
The memorial service was held on the banks of the Avon River, and people observed a moment’s silence at 12:51 p.m., the moment the quake struck in 2011. Emergency service workers and others took turns reading out the names of each of the victims.
Ardern said the quake had affected people in many ways, and daily reminders including aftershocks and the fractured landscape had made the recovery harder.
“Ten years on there will be people still living their daily lives with the long shadow of that day,” she said.
“But as we look ahead to the coming decade, I see hope and energy and optimism,” she said. “And I see Christchurch taking its rightful place amongst New Zealand’s best and brightest cities.”