The 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Christchurch in February 2011 killed 185 people - now some Christchurch locals are offering advice to those most affected by this week's bigger, though less deadly, shake.
Flowers at a public service in February to mark five years since the Christchurch earthquake. Photo: SUPPLIED
All Right? was launched in 2012 to help Cantabrians recover from the psychological effects of the quakes five years ago and associated secondary stress factors.
Campaign manager Sue Turner said since Monday's earthquake, it had appealed to people affected by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes to share what helped to get them through the first days and weeks.
The advice had been posted on Facebook, and viewed by hundreds of New Zealanders, she said.
"It's about people talking to people, ordinary people talking to ordinary people about what the experience was like, and how they got through.
"At the moment people [in North Canterbury] are still in that very sensitive, kind of response phase, where they are just coming to grips with this enormous thing that has happened to them and we want to be able to support them in a way that works for them right now."
Some advice from people in the greater Christchurch area:
- "Maintain as much normality as you can. We shared food with mates, talked and laughed when we could." - Lib
- "Even if you, your loved ones and your property are all ok, give yourself permission to feel upset." - Rachel
- "Stick together. You will see the community pull together like never before." - Ashleigh
- "Give yourself breaks from disaster coverage and social media. Try to get some sleep and look after each other." - Helen
- "Don't worry about recovery yet. Just find opportunities for kindness and face the battle in front of you today." - Toni-Jane
Encouraging messages from the "All Right?" campaign Photo: ( RNZ / Karen Brown )
Christchurch City councillor Yani Johanson said it was time for the city to support its neighbouring communities who were the worst affected by this week's earthquakes.
"When we needed the support we had a huge amount of generosity come our way," she said.
Mr Johanson said the council should be giving advice around infrastructure timeframes, insurance, and how to deal with central government.
