Earthquake Case Study: Christchurch Flashcards
When did the Christchurch earthquake hit?
22nd of February, 2011
What magnitude was the earthquake? What depth was the focus and how did this affect attenuation?
Magnitude 6.3, shallow focus - less attenuation
What were the economic impacts?
$8.9 billion in damages
What were the social impacts?
185 people dead, people were trapped in buildings, communications were lost
What were the environmental impacts?
170,000 buildings damaged/destroyed, collapsed buildings as a result of liquefaction, glacier collapse
What immediate responses were there?
Helicopters rescued people from rooftops, people were dragged out underneath debris with others using their hands, mobile banks brought in
Why are the impacts of the Christchurch earthquake still affecting people?
- Insurance payouts were delayed, damages to properties were expensive & people could not afford to rebuild themselves
