Case Study - Christchurch earthquake

Question 1

Facts

When and where

Scale?

How many died/Injured?

Economic Damage?

Answer 1

Facts

2011 - in New Zealand, Christchurch (south Island).

Took place long a conservative margin between the Australasian Plate and Pacific Plate.

6.2 scale - New Zeeland’s fifth deadliest disaster. Lasted 10 seconds

185 died, 3130 injured

Economic Damage US$15bn

Question 2

What were the Primary Impacts?

Answer 2

Widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure (over 50 per cent of the city’s buildings were damaged).

Burst water mains, flooding, power outages

Liquefaction destroyed many roads and buildings

Port was damaged, many roads cracked

185 people died, 3,100 people injured

Question 3

What were Secondary Impacts

Answer 3

Significant economic damage; many businesses unable to operate.

Schools closed for 2 weeks

5 Rugby matches cancelled

2,200 people had to live in temporary housing housing

Question 4

What was the short-term relief

Shelter and supplies

Answer 4

Government provided significant aid, food, water and medical supplies (pop-up hospitals)

Foreign governments also helped with aid including search & rescue teams.

80% of electricity restored in 5 days.

27,000 chemical toilets flown due to damaged sewers

300 Australian police flew in to help police and restore law and order

Question 5

Long-term response

Answer 5

The New Zealand government provided temporary housing

Water and sewage were restored 6 months later

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority was created to organise rebuilding the region. It had special powers to change planning laws and regulations

Construction of around 10,000 affordable homes

Question 6

Long-term planning

(Trained and Funded emergency services)

Answer 6

Earthquake highlighted the need for trained and funded emergency services.

Government has worked to support these services, including training and funding for first responders.

A new government taskforce was created to help deal with future earthquakes.

Question 7

Preparation

(Warning and Evacuation)

Answer 7

Earthquake highlighted need for better building codes and design standards

It also highlighted the need for better warning and evacuation

Question 8

Prediction

Answer 8

Christchurch is located in an area of high seismic activity and earthquakes are common

The New Zealand government has worked to support the development of earthquake prediction and monitoring systems in Christchurch