Case Study: Christchurch
Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 4.4.4
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Case Study: Christchurch
Which of the following statements are true about the second earthquake?