Editing Christchurch (section)

==Earthquakes==
Christchurch has experienced over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch#2010.E2.80.932012_earthquakes 11,000 earthquakes and aftershocks] since 4th September 2010.  The first earthquake of 7.1 magnitude struck at 4:35am on 4th September 2010 and a more devastating 6.3 magnitude quake struck at 12:51pm on 22nd February 2011. The February quake caused serious damage and 185 deaths, mainly in the central business district of the city.  There was substantial damage to the eastern areas of the city.  Much of the central business district was cordoned off for up to 2 years following the quakes but all streets are now open.  More than 900 damaged buildings were demolished or removed. 2015 saw many new developments reaching completion in the CBD with many more to open during 2016. Many former central city businesses and government offices, have relocated to the western suburbs of Christchurch of Addington, Riccarton, Papanui, and Hornby. 

Liquefaction in the eastern suburbs caused major damage to infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, sewers and roads. A huge area in the eastern suburbs was designated as 'Residential Red Zone' and all the houses removed - no decision has been made on the future use of this land.  Meanwhile it is a huge area of grassland and trees.
 

Most backpacker hostels located in the CBD are closed or destroyed. Some hostels are open on Bealey Avenue and Barbadoes Avenue.  Search [http://www.hostelworld.com/ HostelWorld] for the latest availability.

Keep up to date with the latest quakes [http://www.geonet.org.nz/ on GeoNet] or [http://quake.crowe.co.nz/ Quake Live].

[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/ Earthquake related news]

[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-earthquake/4705106/Photos-Before-and-after-the-Christchurch-earthquake Christchurch before and after earthquake photos]