1.3 Christchurch

Question 1

What was the magnitude of the Christchurch earthquake?

Answer 1

7.1 in 2010 followed by a 6.3 in 2011

Question 2

How many people were killed?

Answer 2

185 killed, mainly from building collapses

Question 3

What was the economic loss?

Answer 3

$12billion. 3rd most expensive in history.

Question 4

What did liquefaction lead to?

Answer 4

Significant infrastructure damage, particularly older buildings

Question 5

What was done to combat damage?

Answer 5

• 72 specialist workers from New-south-wales arrive
• A temporary cardboard cathedral opened (sense of spirituality and togetherness)
  -Engineers investigate damage and colour code buildings
• field hospital and triage centre set up for GP and emergency care
• Insurance claims settled
• Magnesium oxide compounds are used to build cheaper, better insulated and more resilient houses
• Residents move into caravans
• First few major projects are completed (cricket oval, bus station, Childrens playground)

Question 6

4 stages of the park model

Answer 6

Pre disaster
Relief
Rehabilitation
Reconstruction

Question 7

What is resilience

Answer 7

The ability to resist, cope, adapt and then recover from natural hazards
It’s a measure of how efficiently resources can be deployed in a reasonable amount of time.

Question 8

What affects hazard response? How can you compare countries?

Answer 8

• The nature of the damage
• The quickness of the event
• Government relationship with other countries
• Amount of economic damage
• The structure of the insurance business ( the NZ gov handled claims of up to £46k)
• Availability of new technologies, architects, builders

Question 9

Does the site of the EQ matter?

Answer 9

Yes. Kashmir was up in the mountains with limited roads and access. Very far away from any developed areas which meant economic damage was minimal due to low land value

Question 10

Does time/day matter?

Answer 10

E.g. Kashmir, 8:25. Ramadan, Saturday

Question 11

Knowledge if you’re on a plate boundary

Answer 11

If you are then you can prepare e.g. in Kashmir, dhajji dewari but in Christchurch, they didn’t know there was a fault and the buildings were made out of concrete

Question 12

Relationships with other countries are key?

Answer 12

Kashmir struggled with aid due to political tensions and rivalry with India. India refused to send helicopters. However, Christchurch received aid from everyone due to good relations and connectivity with the rest of the world

Question 13

Technology can help you prepare?

Answer 13

SMS services
Tv stations
Early warning systems
Seismometers