Tectonic Hazards: Christchurch And Nepal Case Study

Question 1

What was The Christchurch earthquake?

Answer 1

• occured in new Zealand on a conservative boundary
• happened at 4:35 am of 4th September 2010
• magnitude of 7.1
• quake lasted 40 seconds

Question 2

What are the primary environmental effects of Christchurch?

Answer 2

• severe liquefaction affected roads
• large icebergs calved into Tasman lake
• rock falls in the hills
• earth rose by 1m and Christchurch (island) moved closer to Sydney

Question 3

What are the primary economic effects of Christchurch?

Answer 3

• spire of Christchurch cathedral collapsed
• water supplies disrupted by pipes rupturing

Question 4

What are the secondary environmental effects of Christchurch?

Answer 4

• flooding from liquefaction ➡️ ankle to knee deep water in most areas
• damage to roads through liquefaction made it difficult for people and emergency services to move around

Question 5

What are the secondary economic effects of Christchurch?

Answer 5

• businesses were put out of action for long periods causing losses of income and jobs
• Christchurch could no longer host the rugby World Cup matches so lost the benefits, e.g. tourism and income they would bring

Question 6

What are the primary social effects of Christchurch?

Answer 6

• 181 people killed
• 2000 people injured
• 50% of central city’s buildings were severely damaged
• 80% of the city was without power
• cars fell into sink holes
• roads and communication lines were damaged

Question 7

What were the secondary social effects of Christchurch?

Answer 7

• people were affected mentally by earthquakes and needed support
• schools had to share classrooms because of damage to other school buildings

Question 8

What were the short term responses to Christchurch?

Answer 8

• international aid was provided in the form of money (around $6-7 million) and aid workers
• earthquake commission assessed all buildings to ensure they were safe
• urban search rescue there within a couple of hours/ ordinary people helped to rescue those who were trapped
• emergency response centre set up

Question 9

What were the long term responses for Christchurch?

Answer 9

• Red Cross provided grants to families with children under 5 years of age who were living with significantly damaged homes with their electricity bills
• insurance paid $898 million in building claims and provided temporary housing and ensured all damaged housing was kept water tight
• water and sewage was restored to all residents by August