Earthquake case study: MEDW New Zealand

Question 1

When was it?

Answer 1

22nd February 2011

Question 2

What was the magnitude on the richter scale?

Answer 2

6.3 magnitude

Question 3

What was the cause of the earthquake?

Answer 3

The Pacific and Indo-Australian plates slid past each other as they are a complicated mixture of destructive and conservative margins.

Question 4

Name 4 primary effects:

Answer 4

• 181 killed
• 2,000 injured
• 100’s of km of water and sewage pipes burst
• 50%+ of central city buildings severely damaged including the city’s cathedral which lost its spine
• ## 80% of city without electricity

Question 5

Name 4 secondary effects:

Answer 5

• businesses put out of action causing losses of jobs and income
• schools had to share classrooms
• people affected mentally by the earthquake and need support
• damage to roads through liquefaction made it difficult for people and emergency services to move around

Question 6

Name 4 immediate responses:

Answer 6

• care for the most vulnerable people and ensured people were safe from dangerous buildings
• chemical toilets were provided for 3000 residents
• areas were zoned to classify damage/cost of repairs
• international aid was provided in the form of money (around $6-7 million) and aid workers

Question 7

Name 4 long term responses:

Answer 7

• planning in New Zealand for future earthquakes
• paid $898 million in building claim
• water and sewage was restored for all residents in August
• roads and houses were cleared from liquefaction by August and 80% of roads and 50% of footpaths were repaired