christchurch

• The Christchurch earthquake occurred 10km west of Christchurch, in February 2011. Measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale and, at 5 km deep, the earthquake was very shallow. The earthquake occurred along a conservative margin.
• Primary effects of Christchurch earthquake:

  • 180 people were killed
  • 3000 people were injured
  • 100,000 properties were damaged
  • $28 billion of damage was caused
  • water and sewage pipes were damaged
  • the cathedral spire collapsed
  • liquefaction destroyed many roads and buildings
• Secondary effects of Christchurch earthquake:

  • schools were closed for two weeks
  • 1/5 of the population migrated from the city
  • many businesses were closed for a long time
  • two large aftershocks
• Immediate responses to Christchurch earthquake:

  • around $6 million of international aid was provided
  • The Red Cross and other charities supplied aid workers
  • rescue crews provided support
  • more than 300 Australian police officers flew into Christchurch.
• Long term responses to Christchurch earthquake:

  • the construction of around 10,000 homes
  • water and sewage were restored by August 2011
  • the New Zealand government provided temporary housing.