2011, Christchurch (HIC)

• A 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti

  12 January 2010
• Earthquake

  • Occurred on a conservative plate margin between the Caribbean and North American plates
  • Focus was only 12.87 km deep
  • Epicentre was just 25.75 km from the capital, Port-au-Prince
• Primary Effects (Impacts)

  • 220,000 people were killed.
  • 300,000 people were injured.
  • The main port was badly damaged.
  • Eight hospitals collapsed.
  • 100,000 houses were destroyed and 200,000 were damaged.
• Secondary Effects (Impacts)

  • 1.3 million people became homeless.
  • 2 million people were left without food and water.
  • Frequent power cuts occurred.
  • Crime increased - looting became a problem and sexual violence escalated.
  • People moved into temporary shelters.
  • By November 2010 there were outbreaks of cholera.
• Immediate Responses

  • International aid was provided (around $6 to $7 million).
  • Aid workers from charities such as the Red Cross came to help.
  • 300 Australian police officers were flown in.
  • Temporary housing was provided.
  • Pop-up hospitals were set up which would be a short term but effective response.
• Long Term Responses

  • A new government taskforce was created to help deal with future earthquakes.
  • Areas were zoned to assess damage.
  • People are now being educated across New Zealand to do earthquake drills.