Why were the people in the eastern suburbs of christchurch affected most in the earthquakes?

The people in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch were most affected by the earthquakes primarily due to the geological makeup of the area, which included soft soil that amplified seismic waves. Additionally, the eastern suburbs experienced significant damage to infrastructure and housing, leading to prolonged displacement and recovery challenges. The local government and emergency services also faced difficulties in accessing and providing aid to these neighborhoods immediately after the quake. Ultimately, the combination of these factors contributed to a greater impact on the residents in that region.