Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch - September 2010 - January 2011

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Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

7.1 earthquake: more to come, scientists warn

By Stuff reporters

Last updated 15:47 06/09/2010

LATEST: History suggests Saturday's destructive 7.1 Canterbury earthquake could be a trigger for a series of major earthquakes which New Zealand must prepare for, scientists say.

Victoria University's geophysics professor Euan Smith said Saturday morning's magnitude 7.1 quake did some things "as expected" but "had some surprises as well."

He said policy regarding unreinforced masonry structures should now become "urgent" because a 1929 west Canterbury magnitude 7 earthquake turned out to be the first of a series of seven major, magnitude greater than 7, earthquakes over the next 13 years.

The series included the second and third largest earthquakes in European times - the magnitude 7.8 Buller and Hawke's Bay earthquakes.
The series ended with two magnitudes 7.2 and 7.0 earthquakes in the Wairarapa in 1942.

"It is improbable that this occurrence of such large earthquakes in rapid succession was coincidental. It is more likely that the faults which broke during the series were all stressed and ready to break, and that the occurrence of successive earthquakes helped bring forward the occurrence of the next," he said.

"There is no reason to think that such a series could not happen again."

.../

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4098378/7-1-earthquake-more-to-come-scientists-warn

[mod Tech]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

Excerpt:

Landslides and faulting

Scientists flew in the Burnham area at 3:00 pm on September 4. Please see photos below.

They observed a fault trace 13 km long across late the Last Glaciation (~18,000 years ago) surface of the Canterbury Plains, roughly from west to east. Crosses and offsets to roads, fences, tracks and irrigation channels were observed. It passes directly beneath two houses and a farm shed, close to at least two other buildings, and under high voltage transmission lines. The trace comprises a series of en-echelon left stepping tears, and numerous cracks and pressure ridges. Patterns vary from field to field. There were numerous places where the offset could be measured ? right lateral up to about 3 m, with variable vertical throw (mostly <1m). They could see no landform evidence of an earlier fault rupture along this trace.

They observed much flooding at the western end of the trace where the Hororata River had burst its banks. Water seemed to be ponding irregularly and flow in channels was greater than other streams nearby. Upstream a groundwater bore seemed to be overflowing.

They then flew to Rakaia Gorge where there were reports of landslides.

The Rakaia River was very dirty and brown due to spall from steep cliffs on the sides of the gorge and at Big Ben. The landslides are small (hundreds of cubic metres) but restricted to steep cliffs. They saw small surface scars on the sides of Mount Hutt, but no major landslides or rock avalanches (and none had been reported to Mt Hutt helicopters who were flying in the area all day).

<Snipped pictures>
.../

Read more:
http://www.geonet.org.nz/news/articl...arthquake.html

This is interesting as the fault trace is 8-10 km south of the epicentre(Marked on the map). Not sure what this says about the sub-surface structure or the nature of the fault which caused the earthquake. Any comments?

[Tonka]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

http://www.diariodesevilla.es/article/sociedad/782291/la/ciudad/christchurch/necesitara/ano/para/recuperarse/terremoto.html

Spanish to English translation

The city of Christchurch will need a year to recover from the earthquake
The earthquake of 7.1 degrees on Saturday caused extensive damage to the infrastructure of the town New Zealand and left uninhabitable by 20% of households.

dpa, wellington | Updated 09/05/2010 - 19:07

Related Articles

State of emergency in New Zealand by an earthquake of 7.2 degrees
The reconstruction of downtown Christchurch New Zealand, on Saturday affected by an earthquake of magnitude 7.1 on the Richter scale, will last at least a year, predicted the prime minister John Key. The president believes that damage was caused by more than 2,000 million NZ dollars (about 1,400 million dollars) and announced that his cabinet to meet Monday to assess the priorities in rebuilding infrastructure.

Meanwhile, aftershocks continued that left one man dead of a heart attack and two seriously injured by falling masonry and glass. Seismologists recorded more than 30 aftershocks during the night and morning of Sunday, the largest with a magnitude of 5.1. Civil Defense officials estimated that more than 500 commercial buildings were damaged by the earthquake and that up to 20 percent of houses are uninhabitable. This includes 90 buildings in the central business district, where the curfew imposed at night because of the danger from falling masonry and glass.

Some 8,000 residents of apartments in the heart of the city were allowed to remain in their homes. Police, who cordoned off the center, said they had arrested several people trying to enter the area, apparently to loot shops and businesses overnight. Teams of engineers through the city to assess damage and determine which buildings may not be employed until they are repaired.

Meanwhile a state of emergency continues. According to authorities, schools in affected areas remain closed at least until Wednesday. The autoriades also fear that the city of Christchurch preclude a health crisis, the possibility of extending the influenza virus A (H1N1).

Moreover, bad weather is forecast, with winds of 130 kilometers per hour and rain. Civil defense officials urged those who are able to make temporary repairs to their damaged homes to act quickly because the wind could impede later.

Christchurch Mayor, Bob Parker, reported that the supply was restored power to about 90 percent of users, but water supply remains a major problem, because there were at least 200 pipe breaks underground. About 250 people spent the night in centers set up for people whose homes were destroyed by the quake, which was the strongest hurricane in 90 years in New Zealand.

A family of eight children in the rural village of Darfield, which was the epicenter of the phenomenon, spent the night at your dinner table for fear of aftershocks, said the New Zealand radio. It is expected that emergency rule remain several days in the city of 400,000 inhabitants. An official of the emergency teams urged people to stay home and not make unnecessary movements. He added that those who are homeless should seek help from friends or relatives for at least the next 24-48 hours and possibly longer.

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[Treyfish]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

Inquiry into Christchurch gastro outbreak

<!-- google_ad_section_end(name=storyheadline) -->

NZPA


Last updated 21:44 06/09/2010


<!-- Begin relevant offers adspace--><SCRIPT language=javascript><!--PushBserverAd('RELEVANTOFFER1', 14, 240, 45, '240x45_SPECIALOFFER');//--></SCRIPT>


<!-- -normal_story_landing- --><!--start components/story/common_content--><!-- google_ad_section_start(name=storybody) -->Two families at a welfare centre in the Christchurch suburb of Linwood are battling gastroenteritis.
Health authorities are unsure whether the infection was due to contaminated water, or whether the infection pre-dated Saturday morning's earthquake, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Ramon Pink said. ..

"snips"

It did not appear that the infection was conveyed from one family to another.
Infection control measures were in place and the affected families had been isolated, while tests had begun to try to find the cause, Dr Pink said.
No other welfare centre had been affected so far and there was no evidence of spread to anyone outside these two families.
The DHB also announced non-urgent elective surgery had been cancelled for tomorrow.
This included all pre-arranged admissions for Christchurch, Christchurch Women's and Burwood Hospitals. Scheduled caesarean sections and inductions would continue.
The flow of patients to hospital was steady and staff were coping well, the DHB said.
Akaroa Hospital was closed and patients had been transferred to other facilities.
Lincoln Maternity Hospital and Burwood Birthing Unit were also closed until further notice.
...Dr Pink said the main public health messages to avoid getting sick with stomach bugs and other illnesses included assuming that tap water is unsafe and contaminated until advised by the council that it is safe.

People shouldn't swim, fish or gather shellfish in the sea, Canterbury rivers or any areas of standing water until notified.
It was important for people to look after each other and keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours, Dr Pinks said.

<SCRIPT language=javascript><!--PushHserverAd('STORYBODY', 2, 300, 250, '300x250');//--></SCRIPT>General practices and most pharmacies were operating as usualhttp://www.stuff.co.nz/national/cant...astro-outbreak

[Pathfinder]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

#ChristchurchQuake information Update 23

1815hrs, 6 September
Offers of assistance
There have been numerous offers of assistance from businesses and members of the public wanting to help. These have been gratefully received. We now have sufficient resources so please do not contact us with additional offers of assistance.


Making a donation to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
People wanting to donate goods to those affected by the earthquake are requested to make cash donations instead.
Make a secure online donation now to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
Make an automatic $20 donation by phoning 0900 33 200.
At any branch of Post Shop Kiwibank, ANZ, National, ASB, BNZ and TSB throughout New Zealand
At any Red Cross service centre or branch nationwide
By sending a cheque (made payable to: New Zealand Red Cross) to: Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, Red Cross House, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144
100% of all money donated to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal will go to the Appeal



Important numbers to ring:

Earthquake Government Helpline (24 hours): 0800 779 997
Healthline (24 hours): 0800 611 116
Earthquake Commission (EQC): 0800 DAMAGE 326 243
For current updates visit the Environment Canterbury website

An extensive number of aftershocks of between Magnitude 3.2 and 5.4 have occurred and the likelihood of aftershocks of up to around Magnitude 6 will remain for the next week.

Health concerns have shifted to public health issues related to water supply. Sewerage and water supply infrastructure continue to be affected in the low lying eastern areas of Christchurch City and Waimakariri District as well as rural areas in Selwyn District.
Go to the Environment Canterburywebsite for information about emergency water locations.
For information about storing or treating water visit the Get Thru website.



Welfare
Three welfare centres in Christchurch City are providing accommodation to approximately 200 people.
Where to go if you need emergency assistance. These centres open 24 hours: Welfare Centres - Canterbury Earthquake (Ministry of Social Development website).
Enquiries for emergency assistance payments continue to be made for food, petrol and accommodation. Steps are being taken to ensure that the elderly and rest homes are captured in support arrangements. Canterbury DHB is making contact with all residential and aged care homes and advises that they are supporting one another.



Building safety and information for employers and employees
Local authorities are prioritising and managing the official inspection of buildings.
The City Council will be classifying all buildings in the cordoned-off area?
Red placards for no entry
Yellow for restricted use
Green for no restrictions on a building?s use
These inspections have resulted in an increasing number of buildings being deemed unsafe, including some that previously appeared safe. Property owners should contact their local authority if they have any questions in relation building safety.
The following health and safety advice for employers / employees has been issued by the Department of Labour.


Weather warnings
Heavy rain has fallen in the Canterbury plains and high country since last night and is expected to continue until 2100 hrs tonight. Strong wind that affected the region since Sunday night is forecast to ease.

Environment Canterbury is monitoring river flow in the Waimakariri River due to current weather conditions and predicted rainfall levels in the Southern Alps. Once rain clears, which is currently expected to be Wednesday or Thursday, several days of fine conditions with light winds are expected.


Schools closed for two days
All schools and preschools in Christchurch City, Selwyn District and the Kaiapoi area of Waimakariri District will remain closed until Wednesday morning at 9am. Decisions to reopen schools and preschools will be reviewed on Tuesday.

As schools will be closed it is possible that some businesses will see increased foot traffic from school students and their families. This increases the need for property owners to ensure that their businesses are safe as a result of damage caused by the earthquake. It is the responsibility of property owners, in the first instance, in any area affected by the earthquake to ensure that their property is safe for staff and the public. For further information visit the Ministry of Education website.



People asked to put off non-essential travel to Christchurch
People who are planning on visiting Christchurch in the coming week are being advised to put off their travel plans unless it is essential they visit the area. For further information visit the Environment Canterbury website.


Urban Search and Rescue
A total of 112 staff, 7 search dogs and 2 full caches of equipment have been deployed to the region. Equipment includes full complement of technical search, rescue and self sustainability modules. See New Zealand Fire Service website for updates.

Health
Main health issues are now moving from initial treatment to public health and welfare issues.
There are ongoing issues with sewerage pipe failures and water supply problems in the Christchurch area. The public are advised to boil water prior to use (drinking, brushing teeth etc) and to avoid recreational use of water. Rivers are affected with sewage. Public health staff will be assisting the Council with water testing.

Welfare issues will also become very important in the next day or two including shelter and support for people with ongoing medical needs (e.g. access to usual medication).

In addition to the earthquake, Christchurch currently has a relatively high rate of H1N1 swine flu virus circulating in the community. Disruption to people?s housing, or accommodation in welfare centres increases the risk of a larger outbreak. Ample supplies of national reserve antivirals are available in the District Health Board district, and more can be supplied at any time. The increased risks of influenza spreading will be addressed by the District Health Board and Public Health Unit.

For other health advice call the Healthline: 0800 611 116.
For information on protecting yourself in an emergency, visit the Ministry of Health website.
For advice on food safety visit the New Zealand Food Safety Authoritywebsite.


Housing
EQC continues to receive claims, both on the 0800 DAMAGE 326 243 phone number and through the EQC website. It is expected that upwards of 100,000 claims will be lodged, but a better estimate will be known in a few days.

There have been a total of approximately 4000 claims with EQC so far. EQC is in the process of verifying if these houses are uninhabitable or not weatherproof.

Significant damage has been reported in Christchurch and some collapses in inland central Canterbury. Building damage is being collated by responding agencies.


EQC earthquake damage claims
Homeowners with insured properties that have been damaged by the earthquake can lodge a claim with the EQC. Call EQC?s free phone number 0800 DAMAGE 326 243. People have up to three months to make a claim. EQC Chief Executive Ian Simpson says he expects thousands of claims over the next few days and advises people who strike a busy signal to keep trying the lines.


Agriculture
An estimated 300-400 farms have been affected with around 150 severely affected by the earthquake. The main damage has been to buildings. There has been some damage to grain and storage sheds on arable farms. Water supply has been disrupted on many farms through loss of power and connections to storage tanks.


Electricity
Power has been restored to 95 per cent of the urban and rural electricity network. Damage is greater than initially thought and restoration times are being extended (2?3 days).

Roads
There are closures on state highways 74 and 77 but alternate routes are available. The New Zealand Transport Agency?s main message continues to be that roads are still be assessed in the affected areas and essential travel only is advised. Weather is starting to hamper repair efforts. Metro bus services will not operate on Monday 6 September for Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri districts. Metro operations will be reviewed on a daily basis. . For further information go to www.metroinfo.co.nz

Rail
Inspections and repair operations continue on all damaged lines. West Coast coal trains may operate from this evening and the backlog of containers in transit is starting to clear. Rail is being asked to move additional freight into the South Island to assist with the distribution of fast moving consumer goods.


People in the affected area should:
- Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.

- Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. When outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.

- Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.

- Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

- Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.

- Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

- Detailed safety advice will come from local authorities and emergency services in the area. People should act on it promptly.

.../

http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf

[Pathfinder]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

Oh baby: quake shakes NZ mums into labour

Posted Mon Sep 6, 2010 6:00pm AEST

A record number of babies were born in the aftermath of the powerful 7.1 earthquake that rocked New Zealand at the weekend, hospital officials said.

A spokeswoman for Christchurch Women's Hospital said 21 babies were born at its maternity ward in the 24 hours after the tremor, which damaged buildings and roads in New Zealand's worst quake disaster in decades.

"In the 24 hours post earthquake, 21 babies were born at Christchurch Women's Hospital and that's a record for a Saturday," the spokeswoman said.

The first newborn arrived within 10 minutes of the quake, which saw roads gridlocked as residents rushed to higher ground to escape a potential tsunami.

.../

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/06/3004178.htm?section=justin

[Pathfinder]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD>Visitors in New Zealand:

Earthquake Statement



</TD><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- Page Title ENDS --><!-- Page Title ENDS --><!-- Main Page content table --><TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=740><TBODY><TR><TD></TD><TD class=contentplain vAlign=top colSpan=5 align=left><!--Shado Debug: Getting From RenderCache qPageContainerItem-->Monday 6, September 2010

Christchurch remains in recovery mode today as the city works to assess damage from a strong earthquake which hit the region early on Saturday morning, 4 September.

A state of local emergency remains in place for Christchurch City, Selwyn District and Waimakariri District to enable emergency services to inspect and clear buildings.

Environment Canterbury Regional Council are advising people who are planning on visiting Christchurch in the coming week to put off their travel plans unless it is essential they visit the area.

The central city area is particularly hard hit and has been cordoned off from public access. That cordon will remain in place till at least Wednesday to ensure people?s safety while safety checks continue.

Christchurch airport opened at 1330 hours Saturday and is fully operational including for night flights. International and domestic visitors are able to land and depart.

All other regions of New Zealand are unaffected.

All Christchurch airport-based car hire and many campervan companies are open; if not alternative arrangements can be made at the airport.

The Christchurch depot of Tourism Holdings Ltd's (THL), which runs Maui, Britz, Backpacker Rentals and Explore More remains closed awaiting Building Safety Evaluation this afternoon (Monday). They are accepting emergency rental drop-off only. Clients with THL rentals due for return today are being encouraged to hold on to them free of charge until the depot re-opens. The depot is not open for pick-ups. No new bookings will be accepted out of Christchurch or Queenstown for the next seven days. Clients should contact THL direct on one of the below contact numbers for more information:
Maui - 0800 651 080
Britz - 0800 831 900
Backpacker Rentals - 0800 422 267
Explore More - 0800 447 363

International visitors arriving into Christchurch airport are being asked to check with their accommodation providers or travel agents directly before arrival.

The i-SITE visitor information centre at Christchurch Airport is contactable on 0800 568 369.

Civil Defence says there has been damage to commercial properties including some hotels. Triaging of damaged buildings in the city is being conducted. Christchurch City Council and other authorities have activated the Building Safety Evaluation process. Several roads have been closed so buildings can be assessed. Aftershocks and deteriorating weather present a threat to already weakened structures.

Though power has now been returned to most of the city, there has been some damage to water and sewage pipes and it may take some days for services to be fully restored. People are being asked to boil water for three minutes to ensure it is safe to drink.

Local bus services are not operating on Monday, 6 September as a result of the significant amount of damage to roads and the central city.

Mt Hutt ski field is operating as normal given any prevailing weather conditions, as are all other ski fields.

Members of the public seeking information should contact the council?s call centre on 03 941 8999. Media can contact the Christchurch media liaison team on 027 241 0244.
For official updates from the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency, click here.

For the latest news on the earthquake from New Zealand media, visit www.stuff.co.nz or www.nzherald.co.nz

http://www.newzealand.com/travel/about-nz/features/earthquake-statement/earthquake-statement_home.cfm

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

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Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

#Christchurch Quake information Update 25

1209hrs, 7 September
An extensive number of aftershocks of up to Magnitude 5.4 have occurred since the magnitude 7.1 earthquake on 4 September. The likelihood of aftershocks of up to around Magnitude 6 will remain for the next week.

Aftershocks will continue to affect response and recovery operations (e.g. rail and buildings). Weather may also affect the response, such as rainfall remobilising silt into wastewater systems. Wind and rain may further compromise damaged buildings.

Important numbers to ring:

Earthquake Government Helpline (24 hours): 0800 779 997
Healthline (24 hours): 0800 611 116
Earthquake Commission (EQC): 0800 DAMAGE 326 243
For current updates visit the Environment Canterbury website

For Non- English language speakers who need support, the Language Line service which provides interpreters in forty languages is available via the Earthquake Government Helpline (24 hours): 0800 779 997, and Healthline (24 hours): 0800 611 116

See also: Earthquake welfare information in 40 languages

Offers of assistance
There have been numerous offers of assistance from businesses and members of the public wanting to help. These have been gratefully received. We now have sufficient resources so please do not contact us with additional offers of assistance.

Making a donation to the NZ Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
People wanting to donate goods to those affected by the earthquake are requested to make cash donations instead.
- Make a secure online donation now to the New Zealand Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal
- Make an automatic $20 donation by phoning 0900 33 200.
- At any branch of Post Shop Kiwibank, ANZ, National, ASB, BNZ and TSB throughout New Zealand
- At any Red Cross service centre or branch nationwide By sending a cheque (made payable to: New Zealand Red Cross) to: Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, Red Cross House, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

100% of all money donated to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal will go to the Appeal. More information: www.redcross.org.nz

People asked to put off non-essential travel to Christchurch
People who are planning on visiting Christchurch in the coming week are being advised to put off their travel plans unless it is essential they visit the area. For further information visit the Environment Canterbury website.

Emergency status
No national declaration of emergency has been made.

Christchurch City, Selwyn District and Waimakariri District have declared a state of local emergency. Christchurch City has extended their state of emergency to Wednesday 8 September 2010.

The states of local emergency for Waimakariri District and Selwyn District are in effect for seven days.

Restricted areas
The cordons in central Christchurch city and Kaiapoi are still in place. Waimakariri District Council is reminding people that unless they reside in the Kaiapoi or Coastal beach areas that they should stay away from these areas.

The Christchuch cordon has been expanded this morning to support repeated assessments caused by aftershocks. Police are working with building safety assessors, and will seek to reduce these today.

Waimakariri District Council is reminding people that unless they reside in the Kaiapoi or Coastal beach areas that they should stay away from these areas.

Water and waste water
Potable water remains a concern for all three Territorial Authorities. A ?boil water? notice is in place in parts of all affected areas. Water tankers are delivering water in the Waimakariri District and Christchurch City.

Sewerage and water supply infrastructure continue to be affected in the low lying eastern areas of Christchurch City and Waimakariri District as well as rural areas in Selwyn District.

There is currently discharge into the Halswell River in Selwyn District. For Christchurch city, waste water trunk mains are intact but there is significant localised damage, and the waste water treatment plant is still running on bypass.

Go to the Environment Canterburywebsite for information about emergency water locations.
For information about storing or treating water visit the Get Thru website.

Weather
The weather forecast through to Thursday is for cool conditions and patchy rain, returning to mainly fine conditions on Friday.

Schools
All schools and preschools in Christchurch City, Selwyn District and the Kaiapoi area of Waimakariri District will remain closed until Wednesday morning at 9am. Decisions to reopen will be reviewed today.

At 1000hrs, 57 of the 165 state schools in the districts had been inspected, with 21 requiring further specialist inspection. 5 have structural issues that will prevent opening.

For further information visit the Ministry of Education website.


Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
A total of 130 staff (20 teams), 7 search dogs and 2 full caches of equipment have been deployed to the region. 200 jobs have been assigned to the teams, with a focus on securing the City cordon area. See also New Zealand Fire Service website for more information.


Welfare
Enquiries for emergency assistance payments continue to be made for food, petrol and accommodation.

Steps are being taken to ensure that the elderly and rest homes are captured in support arrangements. Ministry of Social Development have contacted 11200 superannuation clients living on their own to check on their safety. A multi agency team is making contact with vulnerable people in the worst affected areas.

TWO welfare centres are still open in Christchurch. These centres are open 24 hours: Welfare Centres - Canterbury Earthquake (Ministry of Social Development website). The welfare centre at Burnside High School is closed due to aftershock damage. 320 people were accommodated at welfare centres overnight Monday.

There is one centre open in the Waimakariri District. The centre in the Selwyn District has now closed.

Psychosocial needs are gaining importance and likely to continue to increase. A psychosocial support strategy is being developed with welfare and health agencies, including information for first responders.

Health
Hospitals and medical centres
All primary health and accident medical services are operational, with the exception of businesses in the cordoned area.

Ministry of Health is liaising with ACC to ensure people on home support are being cared for.

Public Health
Public health remains the main area of concern, with damage to sewerage and water systems expected to cause issues for at least another week. Assistance is being provided from the New Zealand Defence Force and Regional Public Health.

For other health advice call the Healthline: 0800 611 116.
For information on protecting yourself in an emergency, visit the Ministry of Health website.
For advice on food safety visit the New Zealand Food Safety Authoritywebsite.

Building Safety
Local authorities are prioritising and managing the official inspection of buildings.
The City Council will be classifying all buildings in the cordoned-off area?

? Red placards for no entry
? Yellow for restricted use
? Green for no restrictions on a building?s use

Of the buildings in the CBD assessed so far:
? 79% have received a green placard (safe for use)
? 16% have received a yellow placard (limited access allowed, further assessment
needed)
? 5% have received a red placard (considered unsafe, and isolated with barriers)

Property owners should contact their local authority if they have any questions in relation building safety.

More health and safety advice for employers / employees has been issued by the Department of Labour.

EQC continues to receive claims, both on the 0800 DAMAGE phone number and through the EQC website. It is expected that upwards of 100,000 claims will be lodged, but this estimate will be revised.

There have been around 17000 claims with EQC so far. EQC will have 120 assessors in place over the coming week, and contact has already been made with property owners who have registered claims that their properties are uninhabitable.

Housing New Zealand is working with Christchurch City Council to prepare a joint response to medium term housing needs.

Commercial property in Kaiapoi
The central business district of Kaiapoi is still being assessed with approximately 22
buildings still being deemed as too dangerous to enter.

Airport
Christchurch Airport is open and all service currently operating. There was a temporary closure of the domestic terminal this morning due to after

Roads
All main urban arterials in Christchurch are open, except those in the CBD area. These are not closed due to the state of the roads, but due to risk from unsafe buildings. The State Highway network in Canterbury has been checked, including structural checks.

Bridges have all been checked and culverts are now being checked for displacement.
SH 77 Glentunnel to Glenroy closed due to an underslip moving further but a signed detour is in place.

SH 74 is closed: Anzac Drive (between Travis Road and New Brighton road) and Dyers Road (between Pages Road and Metro Place) in Christchurch City. Alternative routes are available, however, fixing this will be a priority as this is the route to the Port.

Bus
Metro bus services are operating on Tuesday 7 September for Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri districts, with some exceptions.

Bus services have recommenced. For further information go to www.metroinfo.co.nz


Port
Lyttelton Port report that the channel has been surveyed and deemed safe for the tanker due on 13 Sep 2010.


Rail
Following the after shocks over night all train services have been stopped in central Canterbury. All train services in the central Canterbury area bounded by Ashburton/Springfield/Christchurch have been stopped while structures and track inspections are carried out. These are expected to be completed by midday, after which services are expected to resume. The TranzAlpine has been cancelled today, and coal trains from the West Coast have stopped operations.


Electricity
Expecting to have fewer than 1000 customers without power by this evening, and all to have power by the end of the week.


Telecomms
Some limited outages, but services are being restored to normal.


Environment
A picture is emerging of significant change to the natural physical environment due to ground displacement and shaking?induced extensive liquefaction, including changes to water courses.

Waste and pollution
Waterways in the affected area are likely to be contaminated with wastewater discharge and from polluted surface runoff.

Farming and agriculture community
There are some concerns about changes to groundwater and therefore to irrigation schemes.


Public Safety Messages
People in the affected area should:

- Boil all water before drinking or consuming with food.

- Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.

- Assess your home or workplace for damage. If the building appears unsafe get everyone out. When outside, watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.

- Look for and extinguish small fires if it is safe to do so. Fire is a significant hazard following earthquakes.

- Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

- Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls.

- Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

- Detailed safety advice will come from local authorities and emergency services in the area. People should act on it promptly.

For further information visit the Environment Canterbury website.


.../

http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf

[Pathfinder]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

Red Cross on the ground after Canterbury earthquake


New Zealand Red Cross emergency teams are on the ground in Christchurch and the Canterbury region, helping people affected by Saturday's big earthquake.

In conjunction with the Civil Defence, Red Cross staff and volunteers have been sourcing and distributing mattresses, bedding, tarps and assisting at welfare centres. Further assistance has been provided to the New Zealand Police to check on people with medical conditions such as those on life support.

Find out the latest by clicking here.


.../

Read more:

http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

GNS has confirmed the quake struck at 7:49am, and measured 5.1. It might have felt stronger to Christchurch residents, as it was located only 10km to the southeast of the city, at a relatively shallow depth of 6km.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Quake-updates-Strongest-aftershock-yet/tabid/423/articleID/174825/Default.aspx

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Christchurch Earthquake ? Call for Calm (9am, 8 September 2010)

8 September 2010

Mayor Bob Parker has called for calm following this morning?s major aftershock.

People are asked to avoid travelling and to stay at home with family if it is safe to do so. Many traffic lights are not functioning and there are some road blocks.

Please listen to your radio for further updates.

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/thecouncil/newsmedia/mediareleases/2010/201009081.aspx

[Pathfinder]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

Google Earth visualisation: Christchurch Quake Map

Site concept and development:<SCRIPT language=javascript type=text/javascript> <!-- ML="fa<ctm@Nqs /zun=ePi>\"r:lh.opk"; MI="21:HE@0?D51BG4JFK1=G63HEB943H=E3H8=1L@51KI3JI> <DCA1=G:7B3HJGG92;1C"; OT=""; for(j=0;j<MI.length;j++){ OT+=ML.charAt(MI.charCodeAt(j)-48); }document.write(OT); // --></SCRIPT> Paul Nicholls <NOSCRIPT></NOSCRIPT>(Christchurch, New Zealand)


Click here to see map:

http://www.christchurchquakemap.co.nz/

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

The Lyttelton Tunnel has reopened after engineers completed safety checks ahead of schedule.

The tunnel, which links Christchurch city to Lyttelton Harbour, was closed shortly after this morning?s aftershock at 7:50am.

http://www.3news.co.nz/Quake-updates-Strongest-aftershock-yet/tabid/423/articleID/174825/Default.aspx

[Pathfinder]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

When solid ground is shaken to mush

By Isaac Davison

5:30 AM Tuesday Sep 7, 2010

Large tracts of silty, low-lying land compounded the effects of Saturday's earthquake in Canterbury, as whole streets were transformed from firm land to sludge.

In what's known as liquefaction, Christchurch's sandy soil was shaken violently, causing water to rise through its pores. Scientists compared it to jumping on wet sand at the beach - it soon turns to a murky soup.

Professor Michael Pender from the University of Auckland geology department said the Canterbury quake was one of the most significant cases of liquefaction in New Zealand history.

He said the process could affect any town or city near a river, estuary or coastline. Auckland's waterfront, built on reclaimed land from the Ferry Building up to Shortland St, would be very vulnerable to large tremors.

Coastal developments which encroached on sand dunes, such as Mt Maunganui and some North Shore beaches, were also susceptible during a major earthquake.

Large sections of Christchurch were built on soft sediments which remained saturated after a wet winter.

Roads, bridges and pipe infrastructure have been unsettled by the water squirting up through the soil during the 7.1 magnitude tremor.

As many as nine out of 10 homes on the city's flat have been damaged by the quicksand-like effect. Much of this damage was superficial rather than structural. But in Bexley, a 5-year-old subdivision near New Brighton, at least 100 new homes were left uninhabitable after silt, sewage and grey sludge cracked the road and squeezed through floorboards.

The worst-affected areas were coastal spots such as New Brighton, and suburbs that skirted the lower reaches of the Avon and Heathcote Rivers, in particular Dallington.

Homes in Kaiapoi, near the Waimakariri River, were also reported to have sunk into the soil.
.../

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/science/news/article.cfm?c_id=82&objectid=10671607

sand volcano crater
By Mollivan Jon Jon Sullivan
This photo was taken on September 4, 2010 in Hoon Hay, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ, using a Nikon D200.



By Mollivan Jon Jon Sullivan
This photo was taken on September 5, 2010 in Hoon Hay, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZ, using a Nikon D200.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mollivan_jon/4962176758/in/set-72157624876224784/

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

Crime down but family violence up in Chch

Police say burglaries in Christchurch are down but family violence offences have soared more than 50 percent since Saturday's earthquake.

Provisional data showed that burglaries have decreased by 11 percent in comparison with the same time last year, despite initial reports of looting in the CBD following the quake and "known criminals" arrested after they dressed up as council workers and tried to enter the area.

Inspector John Price said there seems to be a bit of an urban myth that burglaries are dramatically increasing.

"We have arrested a couple of people trying to take advantage of this situation and we continue to take a zero tolerance approach to this sort of criminal behaviour," he said.

Price said police would also show zero tolerance towards any suspicious activity around unsecured or damaged property.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/crime-down-but-family-violence-up-in-chch-3765470

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Powerful earthquake hits New Zealand?s second largest city - Christchurch

Following this mornings 5.1 jolt
Inner city residents were evacuated once again, including those at the Civil Defence headquarters.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/emergency-extended-canterbury-rocked-3765524