On 14 November 2016 a magnitude Mw 7.8 earthquake struck the upper South Island of New Zealand with effects also being observed in the capital city, Wellington. The affected area has low population density but is the largest wine production region in New Zealand and also hosts the main national highway and railway routes connecting the country’s three largest cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with Marlborough Port in Picton providing connection between the South and North Islands. These transport facilities sustained substantial earthquake related damage, causing major disruptions. Thousands of landslides and multiple new faults were counted in the area. The winery facilities and a large number of commercial buildings and building components (including brick masonry veneers, historic masonry construction, and chimneys), sustained damage due to the strong vertical and horizontal acceleration. Presented herein are field observations undertaken the day immediately after the earthquake, with the aim to document earthquake damage and assess access to the affected area.
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A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
A photograph of the former railway station. Wooden boards support the damaged clock tower.
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The historic Kaiapoi Railway Station building, which can be seen leaning towards the river. Its foundations were damaged in the 4 September 2010 earthquake.
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The foundations of the historic Kaiapoi Railway Station building, which were damaged in the 4 September 2010 earthquake causing the building to lean towards the river.
Damage to the Visitors Centre in Kaiapoi, after the September 4th earthquake. The foundations have lifted at the back of the building, giving it a forward lean.
Damage to the Visitors Centre in Kaiapoi, after the September 4th earthquake. The foundations have lifted at the back of the building, giving it a forward lean. Cables have been attached to the balcony over the walkway and braced to posts cemented into the ground. This is to stop the building from slumping further.
Damage to the Visitors Centre in Kaiapoi, after the September 4th earthquake. The foundations have lifted at the back of the building, giving it a forward lean. Cables have been attached to the balcony over the walkway and braced to posts cemented into the ground. This is to stop the building from slumping further.