On Sept. 4, 2010, an earthquake that registered 7.1 on the Richter scale rocked Christchurch, New Zealand. It lasted 40 seconds but felt more like 40 minutes. This was the worst experience l’ve ever been through, but I managed to stay in bed (yes, I hid under the covers).

I live in the city’s “hot zone” by the river, which suffered liquefaction problems. Properties of many people were damaged. Utilities services such as water, power, and sewage were out for many days, and most roads and pathways in my area suffered with cracks. Liquefaction sand piles were everywhere. I still have a port-a-loo outside my house just in case the fragile pipes bust again. As a precaution, I have been even refraining from eating any type of curries.

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