Case study high income country (HIC): Christchurch 2011

Causes

An earthquake-damaged home stands at the edge of a cliff in Christchurch

The earthquake struck on 22 February 2011. It was a 6.3 magnitude earthquake and the focus was very shallow at 4.99 km deep. The earthquake happened on a conservative plate margin between the Pacific Plate and the Australian Plate.

Effects

Primary

• 181 people were killed.
• 2,000 injured.
• Over 50 per cent of the city's buildings were damaged.
• The city's cathedral spire collapsed.
• Water and sewage pipes were damaged.

Secondary

• Businesses were closed for a long time.
• Christchurch couldn't hold the five Rugby World Cup matches.
• Schools were closed for two weeks due to the damage.

Responses

Short-term

• International aid was provided (around $6-7 million).
• Aid workers from charities such as the Red Cross came to help.
• Areas were zoned to assess damage.
• 300 Australian police officers were flown in.

Long-term

• $898 million in building insurance claims.
• Water and sewerage were restored to the city by August 2011.
• Temporary housing was provided.