HIC Case Study: Christchurch, New Zealand Earthquake

Question 1

Location/ background

Answer 1

• South Island, NZ
• Earthquake was created along a conservative plate margin where the Pacific Plate slid past the Australian plate
• Christchurch is Nz’s seconds largest city

Question 2

Risk and vulnerability of the population

Answer 2

• Had been hit previously by a 7.1 earthquake on 4th September 2010
• HIC so more money towards protection
• Still recovering from previous earthquake

Question 3

Magnitude/ depth of focus

Answer 3

• Magnitude of 6.3
• Earthquake was only 5km deep

Question 4

Time of day/ epicentre

Answer 4

• 2011 -> epicentre 10km south east of centre of Christchurch
• 12:51pm on 22nd Feb 2011

Question 5

Social effects

Answer 5

• 185 died, including 115 who were in the Canterbury Television building which collapsed and then caught fire
• 7000 treated for injuries
• 10,000 homes were demolished
• 80% of water and sewage systems damaged
• 1/5 of people migrated from the city

Question 6

Immediate responses

Answer 6

• Rescue crews from all over the world
• Australia gave $5 million in aid
• The Farmy Army -> 800 farmers brought farm machines to help clean up
• Chemical toilets provided for 30,000 residents

Question 7

Long term responses

Answer 7

• Government provided temporary housing and ensured damaged housing was kept watertight
• Water and sewage systems restored by August
• Roads and houses cleared of silt from liquefaction by August and 80% of roads and 50% of footpaths repaired
• Save the children helped with long term recovery