Human Nature VS Mother Nature?

This graph was released prior to NZ's latest quake and gives an idea of what was to be "expected"

There has to be a certain level of respect and humility when discussing a natural disaster that killed hundreds, injured thousands and caused millions of dollars with of damage to the city of Christchurch, New Zealand. Not only were there over 166 reported casualties, but the amount of  history and architecture that has been lost will effect residents and members of the globe alike. 


It is hard to imagine what  a 6.3 magnitude earthquake would look and feel like, but thanks to several primary sources, countless news stories and several reliable videos and podcasts, Canadians can gather as much information as they can and support the people on the other side of the world immensely. Fellow class Journalist L.J and I wanted to search for something real and authentic in the form of words from a primary source. A friend who lives in NZ described the disaster and its effect on people, "Everything is f***ed. My work has been destroyed... people died and it has just become a not so happy place to be but all we can do is keep on keeping on. The people of Christchurch are not ones to turn around and walk away from a problem. New Zealand people face things head on and don't let things get in their way.

 I was actually in the very central city when it happened. I saw people die. I saw bodies lying around and nothing will ever ... EVER take that image from me. It is something noone should have to ever witness and was the most terrifying thing of my life. Its not just the shaking that gets you, it's the noise that comes with the quakes. The initial thoughts are always the worst because they're the ones when you assume everyone is dead or is everyone okay. Things like this make you realise that there is mroe to life then the phones we hold or the cars we drive. Life is what is important and not just yours. Others around you. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Some of the most real and true words ever spoken."

-19 year old witness and resident of Christchurch

This quote has been included in whole for genuinely.

For those that have been living under a cabbage leaf, New Zealand has been hit with several earthquakes in the past year,  most of them in the past six months. The first mentionable quake happened in early September. The latest and most devastating was not necessarily expected, but definitely speculated.  Christchurch and much of the surrounding Canterbury area was devastated by a massive earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale.  The death toll continues to rise as search and rescue teams find more and more bodies. The official search for survivors was called off on Wednesday, March 3^rd. This means that as of a week ago, all hope was lost for those looking for missing family members and friends.

photo courtesy of yahoo news

The idea of this post is to question human nature versus mother nature. Is there anything we can do to fight natural disasters? The obvious answer is "no" but what is right is not always popular. In my opinion, we can only  brace ourselves and do our best to prepare them.  Do you think tragedies are what make humanity stronger?

Chuck Palahniuk, an American Freelance Journalist said, "Only after disaster can we be resurrected." 

Is it crazy to think that people need a good "shake" to realize how precious life is? Again, this may seem ridiculously insensitive, but that is not my purpose or view. I am in awe of the people of Christchurch and their strength, and would never wish that kind of tragedy on anyone. But rather than looking at what could have been done differently to prevent the quake, lets embrace the fact that people have come together to help one another, and tragedies make the world a smaller place.  Sometimes when the world is dressed in black and in a state of mourning, we see our own true colours.

photo courtesy of yahoo news

peace&love,

~t.

Authors Note:
This was written and published before the tragedies of Japan, but the entire concept is the same and will be related to a Japan in an upcoming post.