4.4.4

Case Study: Christchurch

Test yourself

Earthquake Case Study - Christchurch, New Zealand

Two earthquakes hit the city of Christchurch, on New Zealand's south-east coast, in late 2010/early 2011. The second one hit the city centre, killing 185 and destroying much of the CBD.

Illustrative background for 1st earthquake (4/9/10)Illustrative background for 1st earthquake (4/9/10) ?? "content

1st earthquake (4/9/10)

  • Magnitude 7.1.
  • Struck at 4.35am on a Saturday.
    • People were asleep and the streets mostly empty.
  • Buildings were weakened, which became an issue in the 2nd earthquake.
  • More education about earthquake safety was encouraged as a response.
    • E.g. 'Turtle safe' - an earthquake safety resource aimed at preschool children which encourages them to act like a turtle during an earthquake.
Illustrative background for 2nd earthquake (22/2/11) factsIllustrative background for 2nd earthquake (22/2/11) facts ?? "content

2nd earthquake (22/2/11) facts

  • Magnitude 6.3, hit closer to the CBD than the first earthquake.
  • Hit at 12.51pm on a Tuesday.
    • Thousands of people were out and about at work and school.
    • The city centre was busy.
  • There were 185 deaths and 1000's of injuries.
    • 130 deaths caused by the collapsing of the Canterbury TV and Pyne Gould Corporation buildings.
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2nd earthquake damage

  • The Provincial Council Chambers and the Anglican Christchurch Cathedral were completely destroyed.
  • Over half of the buildings in the central business district have been (intentionally) demolished since as they were no longer safe, including the Hotel Grand Chancellor.
  • Liquefaction sludge moved upwards through cracks in residential streets.
  • Water and sewage from broken pipes flooded the streets.
  • Several thousand homes in the 'red zone' were demolished because they could no longer be safely inhabited.
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2nd earthquake responses

  • State of emergency declared by national government on 23rd February.
  • Christchurch's CBD was cordoned off until June 2013 in some locations.
  • 75% of power reinstated within 96 hours.
  • Local residents and the creative community have been taking over the 'empty spaces' in the CBD with art installations and street art.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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