Daily life in Christchurch at the moment is difficult for thousands of people. To start with, about 50,000 people cannot go to work because the central business district – the CBD – is closed. Schools are closed so children are at home.

Many people have no water and no sewerage system. Many people cannot use their toilet and instead have to dig a hole in the garden. About 20% of the city still has no power. A small amount of water is available in various parts of the city but it still has to be boiled. However, a small amount of water does not help if you want a shower or need to wash your clothes.

Damage to houses is the worst problem and also fear of more after-shocks. Some people are living in tents on their lawn, others have moved in with friends and many people have left town. The airport is busy as people fly to other cities. Many families decided to drive to another city in the South Island. Will they come back? Perhaps.

Questions

Do you know how much water you need to wash vegetables, to cook a meal (especially if you cook rice or noodles), to wash dishes, to wash the floor, to wash your clothes, to wash yourself or just your hands? How much boiled water do you need for drinking and brushing teeth?