2011 Christchurch earthquake
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 ChristChurch Cathedral and the Cathedral Square | |
  Quake epicentre | |
| Date | 22 February 2011 12:51 NZDT |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 6.3 ML[1] |
| Depth | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Epicenter location | 43.5834°S 172.7012°ECoordinates: 43.5834°S 172.7012°E near Lyttelton, Canterbury, New Zealand |
| Countries or regions affected | New Zealand |
| Max. intensity | MM VIII[2] |
| Peak ground acceleration | 1.88g (city); 2.2g (epicentre)[3] |
| Tsunami | 3.5 m (11 ft) tsunami waves in Tasman Lake, following quake-triggered glacier calving from Tasman Glacier[4][5] |
| Landslides | Sumner and Redcliffs |
| Casualties | 166 confirmed dead (17 March)[6][7] About 200 missing (7 March)[7] 1500–2000 injured, 164 seriously[8] |
At least 166 people had been confirmed dead as of 17 March 2011, with the final death toll expected to be around 182,[6][7] making the earthquake the second-deadliest natural disaster recorded in New Zealand (after the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake). Prime Minister John Key stated that 22 February "may well be New Zealand's darkest day". Nationals from more than 20 countries are among those missing.[10] The New Zealand Government declared a state of national emergency.
Analysts estimated that the earthquake could cost insurers US$12 billion (NZ$16 billion[11]).[12]
Contents[hide] |
[edit] Geology
Initial reports suggest the earthquake occurred at a depth of 5 kilometres (3 mi); further analysis of seismic data might result in a revision of that depth.[16] Early reports suggested that it occurred on a previously unknown faultline running 17 km east-west from Taylor's Mistake to Halswell, at depths of 3–12 km,[18] but the Institute of Professional Engineers have since stated that "GNS Science believe that the earthquake arose from the rupture of an 8 x 8 km fault running east-northeast at a depth of 1-2 km depth beneath the southern edge of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary and dipping southwards at an angle of about 65 degrees from the horizontal beneath the Port Hills."[19] Although the rupture was subsurface (i.e. did not break the surface), satellite images indicate the net displacement of the land south of the fault was 50 cm westwards and upwards; the land movement would have been greater during the quake.[15] Land movement is varied around the area horizontally—in both east and west directions—and vertically; the Port Hills have been raised by 40 cm.[20]
(click to enlarge)
It is also likely that "seismic lensing" contributed to the ground effect, with the seismic waves rebounding off the hard basalt of the Port Hills back into the city.[18] Geologists reported liquefaction was worse than the 2010 quake.[21] The quake also caused significant landslips and rockfalls on the Port Hills.[21]
While both the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes occurred on "blind" or unknown faults, New Zealand's Earthquake Commission had, in a 1991 report, predicted moderate earthquakes in Canterbury with the likelihood of associated liquefaction.[14][33]
According to GNS Science seismologists, the energy released in Christchurch was equivalent to a magnitude 6.7 earthquake.[34]
[edit] Emergency management
In the immediate moments following the quake, rescue and response was offered by ordinary citizens and those emergency services on duty. Although communication was initially difficult, and it took many hours for a full picture of the devastation to be obtained, a full emergency management structure was in place within two hours, with national coordination operated from the National Crisis Management Centre bunker in the Beehive in Wellington.[35] Regional emergency operations command was established in the Christchurch Art Gallery, a modern earthquake-proofed building in the centre of the city which had sustained only minor damage.[36] On 23 February the Minister of Civil Defence, John Carter declared the situation a state of national emergency,[37] the country's first for a civil defence emergency (the only other one was for the 1951 waterfront dispute).[38] As per the protocols of New Zealand's Coordinated Incident Management System and the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, the Civil Defence became lead agency — with John Hamilton as National Controller — supported by New Zealand Police, Fire Service, Defence Force and many other agencies and organisations.[39] One experienced international USAR team member described the response as "the best-organised emergency" he had witnessed.[40]The Government response was immediate and significant, with many departments and ministries involved. Cabinet Minister Gerry Brownlee's regular portfolios were distributed amongst other cabinet ministers, so he could focus solely on earthquake recovery.[41] After a brief sitting, when a National Emergency was declared, Parliament was adjourned until 8 March so cabinet could work on earthquake recovery.[42] Prime Minister John Key and other ministers regularly visited Christchurch, supporting Christchurch mayor Bob Parker, who was heavily involved in the emergency management and became the face of the city, despite his own injuries and family concerns.[43]
Both COGIC (French Civil Protection)[44] and the American USGS requested the activation of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters on the behalf of MCDEM New Zealand, thus readily providing satellite imagery for aid and rescue services.[45]
[edit] Police
Christchurch Police were supplemented by staff and resources from around the country, along with a 300-strong contingent of Australian Police, who were sworn in as New Zealand Police on their arrival, bringing the total officers in the city to 1200.[46] Alongside their regular policing duties, Police provided security cordons, organised evacuations, supported search and rescue teams, missing persons and family liaison, and organised media briefings and tours of the affected areas. They also provided forensic analysis and evidence gathering at fatalities and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) teams, working closely with pathologists, forensic dentists and scientists, and the coroner at the emergency mortuary established at Burnham Military Camp.[47] They were aided by DVI teams from Australia, UK, Thailand[48] Taiwan and Israel.[47] They follow international best practice for victim identification after disasters — which is extremely thorough to ensure correct identification — and have assistance from the Interpol DVI chair.[49][50]New Zealand Police requested 300 police from Australia for non-rescue tasks such as traffic control, general policing duties and to prevent looting. The contingent was formed by 200 from the New South Wales Police Force,[51] 50 from the Australian Federal Police[52] and others from Queensland, Victoria and South Australia state police forces.[53] In total, 323 Australian police, including DVI officers, were sent.[54][55] Following their arrival on 25 February, they were briefed on New Zealand law and procedure and the emergency regulations before being sworn in as temporary constables, giving them complete New Zealand policing powers.[53][56] Many of them received standing ovations from appreciative locals as they walked through Christchurch Airport upon arrival.[57] The first contingent remained in New Zealand for two weeks, after which they were replaced by a further contingent.[56] While serving in New Zealand, the Australian officers would not carry guns, since New Zealand police are a routinely unarmed force; the officers would instead be equipped with standard New Zealand issue batons and capsicum spray.[57][58] It was the first time in 170 years that Australian police have patrolled in New Zealand.[56] Following a rotation of staff, police were present from all Australian states and territories as well as Federal Police, the first time representatives from all Australian forces have worked together on a single operation.[59]
[edit] Search and rescue
A team of 72 urban search and rescue specialists from New South Wales, Australia was sent to Christchurch on a RAAF C-130 Hercules, arriving 12 hours after the quake, with another team of 70 (along with three sniffer dogs) from Queensland sent the following day.[60] A team of 55 Urban Search and Rescue from the Singapore Civil Defence Force were sent.[61] The United States sent Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 2, a 74-member heavy rescue team consisting of firefighters and paramedics from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, doctors, engineers and 26 tons of pre-packaged rescue equipment.[62][63] Japan sent 70 search-and-rescue personnel including specialists from the coastguard, police and fire fighting service, as well as three sniffer dogs.[64] The team left New Zealand earlier than planned due to the 9.0 earthquake which struck their homeland on 11 March.[65] The United Kingdom sent a 53 strong search and rescue team including 9 Welsh firefighters who had assisted the rescue effort during the 2010 Haiti Earthquake.[66] Taiwan sent a 22-member team from the National Fire Agency, along with 2 tons of specialist search and rescue equipment.[67][68] China sent a 10-member specialist rescue team.[69]
[edit] Defence forces
The New Zealand Defence Force — staging their largest operation on New Zealand soil[70]— provided logistics, equipment, transport, airbridges, evacuations, supply and equipment shipments, survey of the Port and harbour, and support to the agencies, including meals; they assisted the Police with security, and provided humanitarian aid particularly to Lyttleton, which was isolated from the city in the first days.[71] Over 1400 Army, Navy and Air Force personnel were involved,[72] and Territorials (Army Reserve) were called up.[73] They were supplemented by 116 soldiers from the Singapore Army, in Christchurch for a training exercise at the time of the earthquake, who assisted in the cordon of the city.[61][74]
The army also operated desalination plants to provide water to the eastern suburbs.[78]
[edit] Medical response
St John Ambulance provided and coordinated emergency medical response, and triage stations immediately following the quake, as well as medics to support USAR teams. The Canterbury District Health Board coordinated health and medical support across the city, cancelling elective surgery and outpatients, and evacuating existing patients from the hospitals to other centres to increase capacity. They managed primary care facilities (pharmacies and general practice) to ensure city-wide coverage, and organised evacuations from damaged aged care and disabled care facilities to other regions. They were supported by medical staff from around New Zealand, and Australia, particularly the Australian field hospital brought in within days. Public Health issues (such as contamination and infection control) were also managed by the Health Board.Australia's foreign minister Kevin Rudd told Sky News that New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully had asked for further help from Australia. He said Australia was also sending counsellors over and a disaster medical assistance team comprising 23 emergency and surgical personnel.[79] A field hospital providing 75 beds arrived 24 February.[60] Set up in the badly-affected eastern suburbs, it was equipped to provide triage, emergency care, maternity, dentistry and isolation tents for gastroenteritis, and also provide primary care since most general practices in the area were unable to open.[80]
[edit] Humanitarian and welfare
Humanitarian support and welfare were provided by various agencies, in particular the New Zealand Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Welfare Centres and support networks were established throughout the city. Government Departments, such as WINZ and Housing New Zealand established contact with as many people as possible and provided grants and assistance. Many church and community-led projects also became established. The scale of the disaster meant many people went some days without official contact, so neighbourhoods and streets were encouraged to attend to those around them. Official visitation teams were organised by Civil Defence, with aim of visiting every household; the teams, which assessed homes and welfare needs, and passed on official information, included structural engineers or assessors from EQC. LandSAR assisted with the patrols.[81]
[edit] Infrastructure and support
Businesses and organisations contributed massively to the initial rescue, recovery and emergency infrastructure. Orion, Christchurch's electricity company, assisted by other companies from New Zealand worked constantly to restore power, including the erection of new overhead lines to get power into the eastern suburbs, a project which would usually take six or seven weeks but was completed in in 2½ days, with the resource consent process taking only 20 minutes.[82] Power had been restored to 82% households within five days,[83] and to 95% within two weeks.[84] Generators were donated, and telephone companies established emergency communications and free calls. Water provision was worked on by companies and contractors, while Fonterra provided milk tankers to bring in water, the Army provided desalination plants, and bottled supplies sent in by volunteers and companies. Mains water supply was reestablished to 70% households within one week.[85] Waste water and sewerage systems had been severely damaged, so households had to establish emergency latrines. Over 2000 portaloos and 5,000 chemical toilets from throughout New Zealand and overseas were brought in, with 20,000 more chemical toilets placed on order from the manufacturers.[84] Community laundries were set up in affected suburbs by Fisher and Paykel[86] and individuals. Portable shower units were also established in the eastern suburbs.[84]Many companies assisted with transport, particularly Air New Zealand, who operated extra flights of Boeing 747 aircraft to/from Auckland and Boeing 737/Airbus A320/Boeing 777 aircraft to/from Wellington to move people and supplies in and out of Christchurch. The airline also offered flights to and from Christchurch for NZ$ 50 one way from any New Zealand, Australian and Pacific Island Airport, for Christchurch residents, and NZ$400 one way from other international destinations for affected family members.[87]
Fundraising and support efforts were established throughout the country, with many individuals, community groups and companies providing food and services to the city, for welfare and clean up. Many impromptu initiatives gained significant traction. Thousands of people helped with the cleanup efforts - involving the removal of over 200,000 tonnes of liquefaction silt - including Canterbury University's Student Volunteer Army (created after the September quake but significantly enlarged) and the Federated Farmers' "Farmy Army".[88] The "Rangiora Earthquake Express" provided over 250 tonnes of water, medical supplies, and food - including hot meals - from nearby Rangiora by helicopter and truck.[89]
[edit] Casualties, damage, and other effects
At 5 pm local time on the day of the earthquake, Radio New Zealand reported that 80% of the city had no power. Water and wastewater services have been disrupted throughout the city, with authorities urging residents to conserve water and collect rainwater. It is expected that the State of Emergency Level 3, the highest possible in a regional disaster, would last for at least five days. Medical staff from the army were deployed.
Road and bridge damage occurred and hampered rescue efforts.[97] Soil liquefaction and surface flooding also occurred.[98] Road surfaces were forced up by liquefaction, and water and sand were spewing out of cracks.[99] A number of cars were crushed by falling debris.[100] In the central city, two buses were crushed by falling buildings.[101] As the earthquake hit at the lunch hour, some people on the pavements were buried by collapsed buildings.[102]
[edit] Casualties
As of 23 March 2011, New Zealand Police have formally identified and released the names of 155 of the deceased. In the list are people from fourteen different nationalities, including New Zealand, and the ages of the victims range from 5 weeks to 87 years.[103]The nationalities of the deceased are:-[103]
| Country | Casualties |
|---|---|
 New Zealand– Christchurch – Waimakariri & Selwyn – Other/Unknown | 86 77 6 3 |
 Japan | 22 |
 People's Republic of China | 15 |
 Philippines | 8 |
 Thailand | 6 |
 Israel | 3 |
 Republic of Korea | 2 |
 Canada Republic of Ireland Romania[104] Serbia Republic of China (Taiwan) Turkey United States of America | 1 each |
| Not specified | 5 |
| Total | 155 |
[edit] Buildings affected
Christchurch Hospital was partly evacuated due to damage in some areas,[110] but remained open throughout to treat the injured. The New Zealand defence forces were called in to assist in evacuating the central business district.[111]
The six-storey Canterbury Television (CTV) building collapsed leaving only its lift shaft standing, which caught fire. The building housed the TV station, a medical clinic and an English language school. The school - King's Education - catered to students from Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Korea.[112] On 23 February police decided that the damage was not survivable, and rescue efforts at the building were suspended. Initially more than 100 people were believed have died in the building. Fire-fighting and recovery operations resumed that night,[113] later joined by a Japanese search and rescue squad. Thirteen Japanese students from the Toyama College of Foreign Languages are missing, with some feared trapped in the rubble.[114][115] Of the 166 confirmed dead by 12 March 2011, 94 were recovered from the CTV building.[116][117]
The Forsyth Barr building survived the earthquake structurally, but many occupants were trapped after the collapse of the stairwells, forcing some to abseil out after the quake.[121] Search of the building was technically difficult for USAR teams, requiring the deconstruction of 4-tonne stair sets, but the building was cleared with no victims discovered.[122]
On 23 February, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Christchurch's tallest hotel, was reported to be on the verge of collapse.[123] The 26-storey building was displaced by half a metre in the quake and had dropped by 1 metre on one side; parts of the emergency stairwells collapsed.[121] The building was thought to be irreparably damaged and have the potential to bring down other buildings if it falls; an area of a two-block radius around the hotel was thus evacuated.[124][125] The building was eventually stabilised and, on 4 March it was decided the building would be demolished over the following six months,[126] so that further work could be done with the buildings nearby.[127]
The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament was also severely damaged, with the towers falling, and a decision was made to remove the dome because the supporting structure was weakened.[129][130] Several other churches have been seriously damaged, including: Knox Presbyterian Church, St Luke's Anglican Church, Durham Street Methodist Church, St Paul's-Trinity-Pacific Presbyterian Church, Oxford Terrace Baptist Church and Holy Trinity, Lyttelton. Sydenham Heritage Church and the Beckenham Baptist Church were heavily damaged, and then demolished days after the earthquake.[131] Concrete block construction fared badly, leaving many modern iconic buildings damaged.[132]
[edit] Suburbs
On 7 March, Prime Minister John Key said that around 10,000 houses would need to be demolished, and liquefaction damage meant that some parts of Christchurch could not be rebuilt on.[136]Buildings in Lyttelton sustained widespread damage, with a fire officer reporting that 60% of the buildings in the main street had been severely damaged.[137] No lives were believed to be lost in the town,[138] but two people died on local walking tracks after being hit by rockfalls.[139] The town's historic Timeball Station was extensively damaged, adding to damage from the preceding earthquake in September 2010. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust is planning to dismantle it, with the possibility of reconstruction.[140]
In contrast to the September 2010 earthquake, Redcliffs and the surrounding hills suffered severe damage. The cliff behind Redcliffs School collapsed on to the houses below.[146] Large boulders were found on the lawns of damaged houses.[147]
Twelve streets in Redcliffs were evacuated on Thursday night (24 February) after the cliffs and hills surrounding Redcliffs were deemed unstable.[148] Residents were allowed back on Monday night (28 February).[149]
[edit] Beyond Christchurch
The quake was felt as far north as Tauranga[150] and as far south as Invercargill, where the 111 emergency network was rendered out of service.[151] The earthquake may also have been felt at Scott Base.[152]
By the evening of 22 February, KiwiRail reported that the TranzAlpine service was terminating at Greymouth and the TranzCoastal terminating at Picton.[98] These two services were cancelled until 4 March, to allow for personnel resources to be transferred to repairing track and related infrastructure, and moving essential freight into Christchurch.[154] KiwiRail also delayed the 14 March departure of its Interislander ferry Aratere to Singapore for a 30-metre extension and refit prior to the 2011 Rugby World Cup. With extra passenger and freight movements over Cook Strait following the earthquake, the company wouldn't be able to cope with just two ships operating on a reduced schedule so soon after the earthquake, so pushed back the departure to the end of April.[155]
New Zealand and American research operations in Antarctica have been badly affected by the earthquake, which occurred close to the end of the summer season. Christchurch acts as the major supply and transportation base for both Scott Base and McMurdo Sound research stations, and would normally be the initial destination for scientists returning from the summer season (the bases operate with reduced numbers in the dark Antarctic winter). The problems are exacerbated by the unusual break-up of sheet ice which is normally used for runways in the Antarctic.[156] Several researchers linked to US Antarctic Research are among those missing in Christchurch as a result of the earthquake.[157]
[edit] Christchurch International Airport
Christchurch International Airport is located 12 km (7 mi) northwest of the city centre and was largely unaffected by the earthquake. Flight crews from the U.S. Air National Guard were at the airport, making preparations to return to America, when the quake struck and reported to their Air Wing commander that they were safe and unharmed, and that the airport had water and electricity.[158] Twenty-six members of the New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing are currently deployed to the airport, in support of "Operation Deep Freeze" (the U.S. Air Force's military support to U.S. research operations in Antarctica).
[edit] Sport
New Zealand Cricket's offices were damaged by the earthquake.[161] Some matches needed to be rescheduled.[162][163]The Super Rugby Round 2 match between the Crusaders and Hurricanes scheduled for 26 February 2011 at Westpac Stadium in Wellington was abandoned by agreement of both sides and SANZAR due to the earthquake. The match was declared a draw, with both sides earning 2 competition points.[164] The Crusaders' first two home matches of the season, originally to be played in Christchurch, were moved to Trafalgar Park in Nelson.[165]
In the ANZ Netball Championship, the earthquake caused significant damage to the Canterbury Tactix's main home venue, CBS Canterbury Arena, and the franchise's head office at Queen Elizabeth II Park.[166] The team's round 3 match against the Northern Mystics in Auckland was postponed,[166] while their round 4 home match against the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic was moved to the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua.[167]
AMI Stadium was going to host the rugby league ANZAC Test; however, on 4 March it was announced the match would be moved to Skilled Park on the Gold Coast.[168][169] The 2012 match is now scheduled to be hosted by AMI Stadium. The Canterbury Rugby League cancelled their pre-season competition.[170] The CRL's headquarters, Rugby League Park, was damaged during the earthquake and is currently closed.[171]
Christchurch was set to host five pool matches and two quarter finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. However, damage to AMI Stadium, as well as infrastructure, hotels and training grounds put this in doubt. The International Rugby Board and the New Zealand Rugby World Cup organisers quickly confirmed all matches will still be held in New Zealand, but required structural reports and assessments of Christchurch facilities before deciding whether the games could go ahead.[172][173] An announcement was made on 16 March that Christchurch would be unable to host the cup matches; the quarter finals would be moved to Auckland, while other South Island locations would be considered for the pool games.[174]
[edit] Owners and pets
Animal welfare agencies reported that many pets were lost or distressed following the earthquake.[175][176] SPCA rescue manager Blair Hillyard said his 12-strong team assisted urban search and rescue teams that encountered aggressive dogs while conducting house-to-house checks. The team also worked with animals in areas where humans had been evacuated and distributed animal food and veterinary supplies to families in need.Hillyard said that the situation for animals had been "deteriorating because of time issues" and was forcing concerned animal owners to break through police cordons to search for their pets. "That is really one of the common problems of why people break the cordon. It's not to go and do burglaries ... it's to go and retrieve their pets."[177]
[edit] Response
New Zealand's monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, issued a statement on the disaster, saying she was "utterly shocked" and her "thoughts were with all those affected".[182] Her son and heir to the New Zealand throne, Prince Charles, also said to New Zealand's governor-general and prime minister: "My wife and I were horrified when we heard the news early this morning... The scale of the destruction all but defies belief when we can appreciate only too well how difficult it must have been struggling to come to terms with last year's horror... Our deepest sympathy and constant thoughts are with you and all New Zealanders."[183] Other members of the Royal Family signed the condolence book at New Zealand House in London.[184][185]
[edit] International
"I know that [Australians'] thoughts are with the people of New Zealand as they grapple with this enormous tragedy in Christchurch. ... We will be doing everything we can to work with our New Zealand family, with Prime Minister Key and his emergency services personnel, his military officers, his medical people, his search and rescue teams. We will be working alongside them to give as much relief and assistance to New Zealand as we possibly can."
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on the earthquake.[186]
The United Nations and the European Union offered assistance.[189] Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General, sent a message of support to the Prime Minister and stated "our heart and condolences go immediately to the bereaved." He added that the "thoughts and prayers" of the Commonwealth were with the citizens of New Zealand, and Christchurch especially.[190]
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper released a statement saying: "The thoughts and prayers of Canadians are with all those affected by the earthquake. Canada is standing by to offer any possible assistance to New Zealand in responding to this natural disaster."[191][192]
David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, issued a statement as well as his texting his fellow Commonwealth prime ministers. In his formal statement, he commented that the loss of life was "dreadful" and the "thoughts and prayers of the British people were with them".[193]
Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, issued a statement on behalf of the United Nations expressing his "deep sadness" and stressed the "readiness of the United Nations to contribute to its efforts in any way needed".[190]
China gave US$500,000 to the earthquake appeal, and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his deep condolences to New Zealand.[194] Twenty Chinese students were reported missing following the quake.[195]
Barack Obama, President of the United States, issued a statement from the White House Press Office on the disaster by way of an official announcement that "On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to the people of New Zealand and to the families and friends of the victims in Christchurch, which has suffered its second major earthquake in just six months... As our New Zealand friends move forward, may they find some comfort and strength in knowing that they will have the enduring friendship and support of many partners around the world, including the United States." The President also made a call to Prime Minister Key.[196]
Pope Benedict XVI issued an announcement on the earthquake in a statement during his Wednesday audience on 23 February, stating that he was praying for the dead and the injured victims of the devastating earthquake, and encouraging those involved in the rescue efforts.[190]
[edit] Fundraising and charity events
Various Sporting events were set up to raise money for those affected, such as the "Fill the Basin" cricket match at the Basin Reserve, featuring ex-New Zealand internationals, All Blacks and actors from The Hobbit, which raised more than $500,000.[197]New Zealand cricket team captain Daniel Vettori put his personal memorabilia up for auction.[198]
Numerous musical concerts have been performed, both in New Zealand and overseas, to raise money for the affected. Notable events of this nature include a previously unscheduled visit to New Zealand by American rock group Foo Fighters, who performed a Christchurch benefit concert in Auckland on 22 March 2011.
[edit] Memorial services
A national memorial service was held on 18 March at North Hagley Park, coinciding with a one-off provincial holiday for Canterbury, which required the passing of the Canterbury Earthquake Commemoration Day Act 2011 to legislate.[199] Prince William, making a two-day trip to the country to tour the areas affected by the earthquake,[200] attended on the Queen's behalf and made an address during the service.[201] New Zealand's governor-general, Sir Anand Satyanand, attended, along with John Key, Bob Parker, and a number of local and international dignitaries.[202] Australia's official delegation includes Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.[203][edit] Commission of Inquiry
On 14 March, Prime Minister John Key announced a Royal Commission of Inquiry would be held into the earthquake devastation, covering the building collapses and consequent loss of life, damage to key buildings, and general building standards and codes. It would complement the investigations by the Department of Building and Housing. The commission would be chaired by High Court judge Mark Cooper, for a report back in twelve months; a preliminary report would be required in six months.[204][edit] Recovery
[edit] Housing
With an estimated 10,000 houses requiring demolition and over 100,000 damaged,[205] plans were developed for moderate-term temporary housing. Approximately 450 fully-serviced mobile homes would be located on sites across the city including Canterbury Agricultural Park and Riccarton Racecourse. The Department of Building and Housing also released a plan for the construction of 500 modular homes.[206] While emergency repairs were performed on damaged houses by Fletcher Construction, rebuilding would be delayed by the need for full land assessments, with the possibility that some of the worst-affected areas in the eastern suburbs might need to be abandoned due to land depression and severe liquefaction, with the residents offered relocation to new subdivisions under their EQC insurance policies.[207][edit] Schools and universities
Canterbury University partially reopened on 14 March, with many lectures held in tents and marquees while work was carried out on university buildings.[208] All courses expected to resume by 28 March, with plans for the April break to shortened by two weeks to make up for lost time.[209]163 primary and secondary schools were affected by the earthquake, most of which were closed for three weeks; 90 had full structural clearance and were able to reopen, 24 had reports indicating further assessment and 11 were seriously damaged. Site-sharing plans were made to enable affected schools to relocate, while 9 "learning hubs" were established throughout the city to provide resources and support for students needing to work from home.[210][211] Some students relocated to other centres - by 5 March, a total of 4879 Christchurch students had enrolled in other schools across New Zealand. Wanaka Primary School alone had received 115 enrolments as Christchurch families moved to their holiday homes in the town.[212]
[edit] Businesses
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[edit] Economic impact
New Zealand Finance Minister, Bill English, advised that the effects of the 2011 quake were likely to be more costly than the September 2010 quake. His advice was that the 2011 earthquake was a "new event" and that EQC's reinsurance cover was already in place after the previous 2010 event. New Zealand's Earthquake Commission (EQC), a government organisation, levies policyholders to cover a major part of the earthquake risk. The EQC further limits its own risk by taking out cover with a number of large reinsurance companies, for example Munich Re.The EQC pays out the first NZ$1.5 billion in claims, and the reinsurance companies are liable for all amounts between NZ$1.5 billion and NZ$4 billion. The EQC again covers all amounts above NZ$4 billion. EQC chief executive Ian Simpson said that the $4 billion cap for each earthquake is unlikely to be exceeded by the costs of residential building and land repairs, so $3 billion would be left in the EQC's Natural Disaster Fund after payouts.[213][214][215]
Claims from the 2010 shock were estimated at NZ$2.75–3.5 billion. Prior to the 2010 quake, the EQC had a fund of NZ$5.93 billion according to the EQC 2010 Annual Report, with NZ$4.43 billion left prior to the 2011 quake, after taking off the NZ$1.5 billion cost.[216]
EQC cover for domestic premises entitles the holder to up to NZ$100,000 plus tax (GST) for each dwelling, with any further amount above that being paid by the policyholder's insurance company. For personal effects, EQC pays out the first NZ$20,000 plus tax. It also covers land damage within 8 metres of a home; this coverage is uncapped.[213]
Commercial properties are not insured by the EQC, but by private insurance companies. These insurers underwrite their commercial losses to reinsurers, who will again bear the brunt of these claims. JPMorgan Chase & Co say the total overall losses related to this earthquake may be US$12 billion. That would make it the third most costly earthquake event in history, after the 2011 Japan and 1994 California earthquakes.[12][217]
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee echoed that fewer claims were expected through the EQC than for 2010. In the 2010 earthquake, 180,000 claims were processed as opposed to the expected 130,000 claims for the 2011 aftershock. The total number of claims for the two events was expected to be 250,000, as Brownlee explained that many of the claims were "overlapping".[218][219]
The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) announced it would be the largest single event they had paid out for, with an estimated 7,500 injury claims costing over $200 million.[220]
On 2 March, John Key said he expected an interest rate cut to deal with the earthquake. The reaction to the statement sent the New Zealand dollar down.[221]
