The Morgans safe in NZ disaster

Yesterday, Audlem Online reported that Audlem couple, Peter and Jan Morgan were in Christchurch Cathedral at the moment the earthquake hit the New Zealand city.

We can now bring you an update from their son, Ben:

I have spoken briefly with my father and just received an email from Mum so I'm starting to get some details.

They are on holiday with my Uncle and Aunt and had just been to a Holy Communion service in the cathedral and were in the gift shop when the earthquake struck. Fortunately the gift shop is a relatively new, steel framed building so despite being knocked from their feet by the force of the tremors they are otherwise physically unharmed.

They sheltered under a table and then exited into the clouds of dust and debris in the square after the initial shocks finished. There was a smell of gas leaking in that area and so everybody was directed to a nearby park.

They eventually decided to attempt to return to their hotel, which overlooks the cathedral, but a policewoman told them she was sorry but there was no chance of that and they had better try to get out of the city centre, which I believe has now been cordoned off for at least five days.

They resolved to head to the house of Anna, the daughter of some friends, who lives on the outskirts of Christchurch. After walking some distance when they asked for directions from a passing motorist he insisted on giving them a lift and dropped them at their destination.

Unfortunately Anna was not at home and when they asked a neighbour if they were at the right house she invited them in to her home and told them to make themselves at home as she was going to stay elsewhere for the night. What a very trusting and generous bunch of people! Anna eventually returned and due to the lack of power and water they all went to the home of one of her relatives where they stayed the night.

The next morning the reality of the situation had to be dealt with. They have only the clothes they are wearing and so insurance claims are being initiated and emergency prescriptions being sought. I think their initial reaction was to think of coming home as soon as possible but as they recover from the shock of the situation they have decided to remain in New Zealand.

They have managed to get hold of a hire car and are going to proceed with their itinerary and head north out of the city as they can't do anything to help and don't want to impose on their kind rescuers any longer.

Their overriding feelings are of being blessed to have come so close to this tragedy and yet to have escaped alive and without serious injury.

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