By Dan Parker
The Government of Saudi Arabia has evacuated all of its foreign students living in Christchurch.
Hundreds have been bussed out of the city today and their final destination is yet to be decided.
Over 400 Saudi students were in a rush to get out of the city this morning; but they are just happy to be leaving.
“They are all very afraid, shocking. It's really horrible,” says Saudi Students’ Club President Anis Saydayo.
The call to evacuate all students from Christchurch was made by the Saudi Arabian Government; it is meeting all costs for travel and accommodation.
“Fortunately the Government will take care of all the Saudi students so at that time we will be there and we can decide whether they will stay,” Mr Sadayo says.
Either Kaikoura, Hamner or Nelson may become a temporary home but many of the students just want to return to the Middle East.
“Of course because I'm home sick and miss my family,” says student Nawaf Almalik.
Nawaf says home is the preferred option because there the ground doesn't move on its own.
“First time I have had an earthquake in here and all my life,” he says. “In my country there hasn't been an earthquake, nothing.”
But despite the frayed nerves and frightened students, they know it was a lucky escape for everyone.
“God he loves New Zealand because nobody died,” says student Abdirisak Abshir.
While the students maybe gone the Islamic centre is still being used as a temporary shelter by the Muslim community for those unable to return to their homes.
3 News