Christchurch case study

Question 1

Context of New Zealand at the time

Answer 1

Wealthy country GDP per capita at $41000, Christchurch is New Zealand’s 3rd biggest city, the country has strict building codes reviewed every 10 years, the country is well prepared for earthquakes, Christchurch is built on costal plains which is unstable and enables liquefaction to occur.

Question 2

Earthquake facts and characteristics (4 points)

Answer 2

Magnitude 6.3 earthquake hitting on 22/02/2011, 5 km deep, hit at midday (dangerous time as many people were on city streets).

Question 3

Primary effects

Answer 3

Half the city’s buildings damaged, businesses were destroyed, falling masonry, soil liquefaction, Christchurch cathedral destroyed due to a collapsing tower, CTV building collapsed causing many deaths

Question 4

Secondary effects

Answer 4

180 people killed due to collapsing buildings + masonry, roads blocked due to debris, people traumatised, falling masonry destroyed cars, flooded streets of mud destroyed more cars, homes and transportation.

Question 5

Specific effects

Answer 5

Water and sewage pipes damaged and contaminated water with disease, train and bus services severely disrupted, 2000 people injured, businesses closed for a long time, unable to host the world cup rugby matches.

Question 6

Short-term responses

Answer 6

Crisis response centre set up in the city’s art gallery, 300 Australian police officers were flown in, aid workers from charities such as the red cross came to help, temporary housing built and $6 million of international aid provided.

Question 7

Long-term responses

Answer 7

Sewage repaired after 6 months, £898 million claimed in building insurance and areas zoned to assess damage