A study by Canterbury University shows businesses have withstood the 7-point-one-magnitude Canterbury earthquake well.
Spice Traders is open again following the February earthquake.
Exterior of the Engineering library following the September earthquake.
Case study analysis of the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence (CES), which particularly impacted Christchurch City, New Zealand, has highlighted the value of practical, standardised and coordinated post-earthquake geotechnical response guidelines for earthquake-induced landslides in urban areas. The 22nd February 2011 earthquake, the second largest magnitude event in the CES, initiated a series of rockfall, cliff collapse and loess failures around the Port Hills which severely impacted the south-eastern part of Christchurch. The extensive slope failure induced by the 22nd February 200 earthquake was unprecedented; and ground motions experienced significantly exceeded the probabilistic seismic hazard model for Canterbury. Earthquake-induced landslides initiated by the 22nd February 2011 earthquake posed risk to life safety, and caused widespread damage to dwellings and critical infrastructure. In the immediate aftermath of the 22nd February 2011 earthquake, the geotechnical community responded by deploying into the Port Hills to conduct assessment of slope failure hazards and life safety risk. Coordination within the voluntary geotechnical response group evolved rapidly within the first week post-earthquake. The lack of pre-event planning to guide coordinated geotechnical response hindered the execution of timely and transparent management of life safety risk from coseismic landslides in the initial week after the earthquake. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with municipal, management and operational organisations involved in the geotechnical response during the CES. Analysis of interview dialogue highlighted the temporal evolution of priorities and tasks during emergency response to coseismic slope failure, which was further developed into a phased conceptual model to inform future geotechnical response. Review of geotechnical responses to selected historical earthquakes (Northridge, 1994; Chi-Chi, 1999; Wenchuan, 2008) has enabled comparison between international practice and local response strategies, and has emphasised the value of pre-earthquake preparation, indicating the importance of integration of geotechnical response within national emergency management plans. Furthermore, analysis of the CES and international earthquakes has informed pragmatic recommendations for future response to coseismic slope failure. Recommendations for future response to earthquake-induced landslides presented in this thesis include: the integration of post-earthquake geotechnical response with national Civil Defence and Emergency Management; pre-earthquake development of an adaptive management structure and standard slope assessment format for geotechnical response; and emergency management training for geotechnical professionals. Post-earthquake response recommendations include the development of geographic sectors within the area impacted by coseismic slope failure, and the development of a GIS database for analysis and management of data collected during ground reconnaissance. Recommendations provided in this thesis aim to inform development of national guidelines for geotechnical response to earthquake-induced landslides in New Zealand, and prompt debate concerning international best practice.
The Earthquake Commission has more than doubled its estimate of how much it will pay out for Canterbury earthquake claims, from three billion dollars to seven billion dollars.
An earthquake memories story from Niall Hamilton, Medical Registrar, Christchurch Hospital, titled, "An unforgettable day".
An earthquake memories story from Rex de Ryke, Charge Sonographer, Radiology Service, titled, "A sonographer's story".
An earthquake memories story from Chris Drennan, Respiratory Services Physician, Christchurch Hospital, titled, "Staff absolutely focussed".
Those clearing up earthquake-damaged buildings in Canterbury are being warned to beware of asbestos.
We hear the latest from Latimer Square where a make-shift hospital has been set-up outside the Canterbury TV building.
There is information about finding work, getting income support or employing one of the job seekers and living on a budget. There is also general information about Work and Income's role and activities. Earthquake related information can be found in the archived instances from September 2010-
At least five companies are being investigated by the Canterbury Regional Council for dumping or burning earthquake demolition rubble illegally.
LVS acts as site brokers for a creative Christchurch, finding short and medium-term uses for the many vacant sites and buildings of Christchurch.
A report covering the effects of the Canterbury earthquakes upon Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai ecology.
An earthquake memories story from Susan Kovacs, Mental Health GP Liaison, Rural Canterbury Primary Health Organisation, titled, "We watched it all unfolding".
The Earthquake Commission has brought forward its deadline for repairing thousands of earthquake-damaged properties in Canterbury by 12 months.
Canterbury earthquake victims say they've got new cause for anxiety - whether or not insurance companies will reinsure them.
An earthquake memories story from Evon Currie, General Manager, Population and Public Health, titled, "Understanding structure vital".
An earthquake memories story from Paul Schoolderman, Health Protection Officer, Community and Public Health, titled, "Surfing on asphalt".
An earthquake memories story from Denise Tully, Health Protection Officer, Community and Public Health, titled, "Sense finally prevailed".
An earthquake memories story from Karen Carson, Team Leader Telephone Service, Christchurch Hospital, titled, "Masses of people".
An earthquake memories story from Karen Wilson, Charge Nurse Manager, Ward 10, Christchurch Hospital, titled, "This is bad".
An earthquake memories story from Pauline Michel, Receptionist/Clerical Worker, Physiotherapy Department, Christchurch Hospital, titled, "Instinct kicked in".
An earthquake memories story from Vivien Daley, Smokefree Manager, Community and Public Health, titled, "Staunch and determined".
Canterbury homeowners are questioning the validity of a survey which was supposed to independently test the quality of earthquake repairs.
Following a damaging earthquake, the immediate emergency response is focused on individual collapsed buildings or other "hotspots" rather than the overall state of damage. This lack of attention to the global damage condition of the affected region can lead to the reporting of misinformation and generate confusion, causing difficulties when attempting to determine the level of postdisaster resources required. A pre-planned building damage survey based on the transect method is recommended as a simple tool to generate an estimate of the overall level of building damage in a city or region. A methodology for such a transect survey is suggested, and an example of a similar survey conducted in Christchurch, New Zealand, following the 22 February 2011 earthquake is presented. The transect was found to give suitably accurate estimates of building damage at a time when information was keenly sought by government authorities and the general public. VoR - Version of Record
The earthquake size detecting penguins all lined up and waiting.
Staff working at the Emergency House after the September earthquakes.
Staff working at the Emergency House after the September earthquakes.
Staff working at the Emergency House after the September earthquakes.