Bleak future for Christchurch as population flees

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand
by Amy Coopes
 Sat Mar 5, 2011

(AFP) – After a deadly earthquake left homes creaking and wiped out buildings and jobs, thousands of residents have turned their back on Christchurch, raising questions over the city's future.

City officials estimate one-sixth of Christchurch's 390,000 population -- some 65,000 people -- have fled New Zealand's second city, terrified by incessant aftershocks or because their workplace has been affected.

The key question is how many of those departures will prove to be permanent. the rest