By Alex Tarrant
The government has declared a national state of emergency after the Christchurch earthquake devastated the city, Prime Minister John Key told a news conference after an emergency cabinet meeting.
Key said police had advised him that 75 deaths have been confirmed, with 55 identified, and that hundreds were missing.
He pledged that the government would do everything it could to rebuild Christchurch.
Meanwhile Finance Minister Bill English said in the House of Representatives this afternoon he wanted to assure New Zealanders there were sufficient economic resources to cope with the latest quake.
"It is really too soon to look at these [economic] questions in detail, but we do want to reassure New Zealanders that both the Earthquake Commission, the government, the Crown agencies and private insurers have all assured us that they have the resources to meet these challenges and the will to overcome them," English told the House.
"I’m absolutely confident that our community, and our economy, has the resilience to come through this. It will be a priority for this government to recover from the Christchurch earthquake," he said.
National state of emergency
At Cabinet on Wednesday morning, Ministers received the latest advice on the situation on the ground and discussed all elements of the rescue and recovery, Key said in Wellington before leaving to fly back to Christchurch. See his full speech below.
"Cabinet agreed with the decision made under Civil Defence legislation by the Minister to declare a national state of emergency," Key said.
"As required by the legislation, John Carter will make a statement to Parliament this afternoon," he said.
"I have been in contact with Mayor Bob Parker to inform him of the decision, and to reiterate my assurance that central Government will provide all necessary resources to deal with this natural disaster. I have also spoken by telephone with Leader of the Opposition Phil Goff to inform him of this decision and I also thanked him for his efforts on the ground in Christchurch.
In practice the national state of emergency enabled the strongest possible focus of local, national and international resources working together to achieve the best possible response in the shortest timeframe, Key said.
"Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, this declaration means the Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Hamilton may control the exercise and performance of functions, duties, and powers of CDEM Groups and Group controllers. There are no other differences between the powers under a state of local emergency and a state of national emergency," he said.
"Of course, these powers will be exercised working in close support of and cooperation with Bob Parker and the Christchurch Civil Defence team," Key said.
There was already a state of emergency in Christchurch, while Cabinet last night signed off emergency spending powers in order to spend whatever it needed to cope with recovery efforts in Christchurch, Stuff reports.
See the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 here. Part 5 focuses on powers available under the Act in a state of emergency.
Economic impact
At the press conference, Key reiterated comments from Finance Minister Bill English last night that the country could cope with the cost of the quake
"The first earthquake [in September] was estimated to cost somewhere between NZ$6 billion and NZ$8 billion. That was covered through a NZ$1.5 billion payment under EQC, a NZ$2.5 billion recourse to refinances, or reinsurers overseas, and then the additional costs being borne by either private insurance companies or the government itself," Key told media.
"We don’t know the scale yet of the second earthquake, but we do know it will be treated as a separate event. In other words – the best advice I’ve had – NZ$1.5 billion from EQC, a further NZ$2.5 billion from reinsurers overseas, and then the balance to be borne by the private insurers or ourselves [government]," Key said.
"We can afford that, but obviously that’s a significant dent in both the resources of EQC and a significant impact on the reinsurers to the tune of NZ$5 billion," he said.
Asked about a JP Morgan Chase figure of NZ$16 billion for insurance claims, Key said he could not rule those numbers out.
“No-one’s in a position to asses that. You’ll remember when the first earthquake took place there were initial numbers [for the cost of the September quake] that were NZ$2 billion, then it went to NZ$4 billion. The advice we had from Treasury is maybe NZ$6-NZ$8 billion [for the Setptember quake], my guess is they [JP Morgan Chase] probably just doubled what we said," Key said.
“What we do know is that we think there may be another 100,000 claims. There were 180,000 claims, I think, in the first earthquake. We know that different properties have been affected. Some properties that had no impact at all in the last earthquake have been severely damaged," he said.
"It’s the central CBD district where a significant number of buildings will be destroyed and will have to be rebuilt. This is quite different from the first earthquake in that, the feel you got when you’re on the ground there yesterday, it’s quite clear that there will be a major rebuilding and the centre of Christchurch will have a very different feel to it in years to come."
Asked whether government might consider an extra tax on New Zealanders outside Christchurch to help pay for the costs of the quake, like the levy seen in Australia after the devastating floods there, Key said Cabinet had not had discussions on that.
“Our hope would be to not to have to do that, in that the one thing that helps us in New Zealand is because we have EQC, in a way we pay through that levy process, and Australia hasn’t had that," Key said.
"So in a sense, we’ve preserved for this, if you like, or preconditioned for this. But we’ll have to take some advice on that in due course." he said.
Significant economic impact on Christchurch, March quarter growth
In the end there was no question the quake was going to have a significant economic impact on Christchurch, Key said.
“Unlike last time, where essentially it was significant residential damage with some damage in the CBD, and we were able to remove that cordon quite quickly, get businesses back going [and] be operational, I’m not an engineer, but my on-the-ground assessment of looking at those buildings, it is going to be quite some time before the CBD is operational," he said.
That would pose a number of issues.
"You will remember that we had packages last time in terms of businesses, in terms of employees, and the government’s going to have to go away and consider those issues very quickly and soon," Key said.
"My guess is the CBD will be out of operation for quite some time," he said.
The economic impact on the government’s books would be twofold, Key said.
"One is anything over and above anything that’s been provisioned under EQC, and then secondly we were all anticipating an economic stimulus from the Canterbury rebuild of about 1% [of GDP]," he said.
"The reality is there will be an even bigger rebuild, but there will be a delay in how long that can take.
"It’s taken six months to get to this point – you’ve had a lot of aftershocks. We’re going to have to go back and assess every building to be sure it’s safe, we’re going to have to be absolutely satisfied that people can go back to their place of work before we can let people back in there [to the CBD]," Key said.
"As you saw in Q3 [the September quarter last year], as a result of the first earthquake, that was a negative impact on the national accounts, and it will be felt in Q1 [March quarter this year] now," he said.
Death toll
Meanwhile, National Radio reported at 10.35am there were 24 people rescued, seven fatalities, and more than 22 still missing in the CTV building in Christchurch as of a couple of hours before the report. In the Pyne Gould Building 24 had been rescued, and seven more have been detected still alive by dogs – there was no detail on any fatalities, political reporter Brent Edwards said.
In the Christchurch Cathedral 22 were missing, with approximately 20 fatalities expected. The building was described as dangerous and off limits, Edwards said.
Four had been rescued from the Press building, with one fatality, but there would probably be more, while in the Smiths City carpark search and rescue dogs had not picked up any signs of life.
There were also six fatalities from where the facade of a building on the corner of St Asaph street and Columbo Street collapsed onto two buses, and there had been three deaths at the Cashel street bakery.
Meanwhile, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said financial assistance will be made available to those who need it. See her release below:
Assistance for Cantabrians is available now and all possible help will be offered to those in need says Social Development Minister.
“The situation is changing, but currently there are two welfare centres which are operating, at Hagley Park and at Burnside High School,” says Ms Bennett.
“More welfare centres will open as soon as buildings are declared safe to use,” says Ms Bennett.
“The advice is to stay at home if people can and to check on their neighbours and if they need any help or advice, call the Government helpline,” says Ms Bennett.
The 0800 779997 helpline will operate 24 hours, providing information, advice and transferring calls through to other appropriate agencies.
That helpline has so far taken more than 2000 calls.
“Food and water is being delivered to the welfare centres and people will be cared for there as we deal with immediate need,” says Ms Bennett.
“Financial assistance will also be made available to those who need it, we have the ability to provide Civil Defence emergency payments and other assistance is available,” says Ms Bennett.
People should call the Government helpline to discuss the assistance they need.
Three Work and Income centres are open, in Ashburton, Hornby and Rangiora today for emergencies only, but people are advised not to travel through the city if they can avoid it and call the Helpline instead.
“We’ve had many generous offers to donate of food and blankets, which are much appreciated but right now we’d ask people not to travel into the city to make donations, call the Helpline instead and they will co-ordinate those donations, says Ms Bennett.
Fonterra to send water
Fonterra said this morning delivered 200,000 litres of fresh water from its Clandeboye plant to Christchurch in rail pods normally used to transport milk. The water was being distributed around central water centres set up at six local Christchurch schools.
The co-op said it was looking to send one million litres of water to the city.
Fonterra farmers in the district had come through largely unscathed and were keen to offer help and accommodation, Fonterra said in a statement.
Here is Prime Minister John Key's full speech from in the Beehive this morning:
New Zealanders have woken to a tragedy unfolding in the great city of Christchurch.
The earthquake that struck the Canterbury region at ten to one yesterday has wreaked death and destruction on a dreadful scale.
There is no reason that can make sense of this event.
No words that can spare our pain.
We are witnessing the havoc caused by a violent and ruthless act of nature.
Many people have lost their lives. Families have lost their cherished loved ones. Mates have lost their mates.
These deaths are the greatest loss.
They remind us that buildings are just buildings, roads just roads, but our people are irreplaceable.
Today all New Zealanders grieve for you Christchurch.
To all those who woke up in Christchurch today feeling lucky to be alive, we know that you too are shocked, unnerved and grieving.
We know that your loss is sharpened by fear.
Our minds go to the mothers and fathers comforting children struck by anxiety and disbelief.
They go to the elderly, infirm and isolated who experienced this event alone and who remain blunted by shock.
And they go to each and every Cantabrian who has stoically endured six months of aftershocks, only to be hit by the biggest shock of all.
On behalf of New Zealand let me say to all of you: We feel your pain, as only a small nation can, for none of us feel removed from this event.
I am a proud son of Christchurch. I was raised there, I got my first job there, my sister lives there, my mother died there, I know what a wonderful place it is.
But my connection to Christchurch is no rare thing.
All New Zealanders have a piece of our heart in Christchurch.
All of our lives are touched by this event.
A friend or family member who lives there. A time spent studying there or a memorable experience had there.
We feel connected to your suffering. Your tragedy is our tragedy.
Today I want Christchurch to hear this message:
You will get through this.
This proud country is right behind you and we are backing you with all our might.
The world is with us.
Our Australian neighbours, our British and American friends, the great countries of this world, all are putting their shoulder to your wheel. They are sending their support, their expertise, their people to help us.
Christchurch, today is the day your great comeback begins.
Though your buildings are broken, your streets awash, and your hearts are aching, your great spirit will overcome.
While nature has taken much from you, it can not take your survivor’s spirit.
This devastating event marks the beginning of a long journey for your city.
It will be a journey that leads us from ruins and despair to hope and new opportunities. From great hardship will come great strength.
It will be a difficult journey, but progress is certain, things will get better, Christchurch will rise again.
On behalf of the Government, let me be clear that no one will be left to walk this journey alone.
New Zealand will walk this journey with you. We will be there every step of the way.
Christchurch; this is not your test, this is New Zealand’s test.
I promise we will meet this test.
Today and tomorrow our focus must be on preserving lives, on rescuing those who are trapped and treating those who are injured.
We pay tribute to the hundreds of search and rescue workers, emergency personnel, medical professionals and each and every person who is contributing to this effort.
You are heroes amongst us.
Already the bravery and resilience of Canterbury is on show.
In the weeks ahead our journey will take us to new obstacles, new challenges.
We have a city to rebuild. We have peoples’ livelihoods to restore. We have a community’s confidence to inspire.
We will rise to these challenges.
We will rebuild this city resolutely, and with the conviction that this is what it is to be a Cantabrian, what it is to be a New Zealander.
We are a country of pioneers. Whether we came by waka, sailboat, or aeroplane, we came with the conviction that we could build a new life in this country.
That great pioneering spirit will come to the fore in Christchurch over the coming months and years.
Though lost lives will never be replaced, and though your city will never look the same again, you will rebuild your city, you will rebuild your lives, you will overcome.
We have seen many cities in the world come back from disasters on this scale, and Christchurch will be no exception.
I know that all New Zealanders stand ready to help.
Right now, we can help by rallying around those who are grieving, supporting those whose livelihoods are in peril.
My message to all Kiwis who want to help is - act on that desire.
No act of kindness is too small.
Right now, you can help by offering support to friends and family who are hurting. Offer them a bed or a roof over their head if that is what they need. Make your donations to help those who have been hit hardest.
As infrastructure recovers, your visits to Christchurch will be welcome.
Above all, throughout this journey, offer those affected your love. Know that your humanity is more powerful than any act of nature.
As we look to the future, New Zealanders should know that the Government is going to do everything we can to support the recovery and rebuilding of Christchurch.
We are a resilient nation, and we will not bow down to this challenge.
Now let me turn to events of today.
In the past half hour, I have been advised by the Police commander on the ground, Superintendent Dave Cliff, of the latest information available on the loss of life.
I need to emphasise that this information remains under constant review and will be updated during the course of the day.
I am advised that the Police have confirmed 75 fatalities at this point, 55 of whom have been identified.
There are many others missing, the status of which remains unknown.
I have just finished chairing an Emergency Cabinet Meeting, the third since the earthquake struck less than 24 hours ago.
At Cabinet today Ministers received the latest advice on the situation on the ground and discussed all elements of the rescue and recovery.
Cabinet agreed with the decision made under Civil Defence legislation by the Minister to declare a national state of emergency.
As required by the legislation, John Carter will make a statement to Parliament this afternoon.
I have been in contact with Mayor Bob Parker to inform him of the decision, and to reiterate my assurance that central Government will provide all necessary resources to deal with this natural disaster.
I have also spoken by telephone with Leader of the Opposition Phil Goff to inform him of this decision and I also thanked him for his efforts on the ground in Christchurch.
In practice this enables the strongest possible focus of local, national and international resources working together to achieve the best possible response in the shortest timeframe.
Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, this declaration means the Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management John Hamilton may control the exercise and performance of functions, duties, and powers of CDEM Groups and Group controllers. There are no other differences between the powers under a state of local emergency and a state of national emergency.
Of course, these powers will be exercised working in close support of and cooperation with Bob Parker and the Christchurch Civil Defence team.
At the end of this press conference I will be leaving for the airport to once again travel to Christchurch.
I expect to arrive at about 1pm, and I will go directly to Civil Defence Headquarters to meet with Bob Parker and be updated on the situation.
I would like to, if possible, visit some of the welfare centres that have been established.
It is also my hope to be able to survey the damage in Lyttelton in some way.
I intend to return to Wellington tonight for further meetings with Ministers.
I’d like to take a moment now to acknowledge the international offers of help we have received, and to thank our friends around the globe for their sympathy and support.
I have spoken with several leaders since the Earthquake and we have received messages from all over the world. I cannot note them all right now simply because there are so many. But I have been touched by the support.
There have been foreign nationals caught up in this disaster and it is possible that some of the fatalities from this earthquake are visitors to New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs officials are providing all the support they can to consular staff from other countries, as they work to assist their own nationals caught up in the disaster.
To date, we have accepted offers of assistance from Australia, the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan and Taiwan. We are constantly assessing the requirements in Christchurch and have offers of help from many other countries pending at this point which we are keeping under review.
A statement will be coming from Foreign Minister Murray McCully’s office shortly outlining further details of this overseas assistance.
(Updates with videos, more Key comments on economic impact, Key speech, state of emergency, Radio NZ report on deaths, changed time for Key press conference from 11am to 11.15am with ASB statement, Bennett statement, link to emergency spending powers)
107 Comments
Andy - infrastructure maintenance staff numbers are commensurate with BAU only.
From what I've seen of the water and sewerage, they're in trouble. There are potential health issues you don't want to contemplate.
So you need external grunt, you need it now, and you need to override obstructions.
If not for this, for what?
Just tlaking to my neighbour he is engineer..he was saying the CBD is really really bad as ground has liquified and many many buildings are half sung into the ground and he doubts be able to re build in central CHC...Im at home looking at relocating people to AKL office to keep going..the port is shut...the line at GAs station is a mile long and supermarkets running out of food as panic sets in...the emotionaL impact is huge and many of us have struggled with EQC, the aftershocks the first time around and dont know if we have energy to go through this process all over again as we were battling after the frist one and now many of us lost freinds and now a very real prospect of thousands thousands jobs on the line.
I agree. And quite frankly, rebuilding on grounds that we know will liquefy in the next one (and we do know there will be a next one at some point) doesn't make much sense in human terms or from a financial point of view. Hubby still hasn't been able to get in touch with anyone he works with - he'd left the building, close to the CTV building that collapsed to the ground, after his meeting to come back home but his colleagues didn't.
Liquefaction is a real problem and rebuilding the City Centre may not even happening, but parks, especially to remember the tragedy:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/science/news/article.cfm?c_id=82&objectid=10671607
And the economic side of things should be considered.. retail has been gravitating away from the centre of Christchurch to malls in the outlying suburbs for years. This is a terrible tragedy but I hope they grasp the opporunity to rebuild their lives and their city with some very innovative ideas and i hope they come out stronger in the end.
C'mon guys , The NZ Government would never abuse its powers in a State of Emergency , we are not a dictatorship under Robert Mugabe or Gadaffi .
Basically , it means that resources will be steered towards the problem , and we may see more focus on Chch in terms of allocation of resources, human , material and financial .
It may mean that the Govt commandeers earthmoving equipment , or sends policemen and state doctors under Emergency Powers .
It could also use the Emergency Powers to raise an Earthquake Levy , or raise and issue Earthquake reconstruction Bonds to pay for the reconstruction or relocations.
ummmm............DATES FOR INCREASED EARTHQUAKE POTENTIAL
20 February, 19- 22 March and 18 April..
Next year, the morning of 20 March 2011 sees the South island again in a big earthquake risk for all the same reasons. This date is the closest fly-past the moon does in all of 2011. The node arrives on the 20th at 9.44am. As that date coincides with lunar equinox this will probably be an east/west faultline event this time, and therefore should be more confined to a narrower band of latitude. The only east/west fault lines in NZ are in Marlborough and N Canterbury. All factors should come together for a moon-shot straight through the centre of the earth and targeting NZ. The time will be just before noon. It could be another for the history books.
Here’s the link…:
http://www.predictweather.com/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=306&type=home
Interesting read coggo - hmmm - but I like it here in Kaikoura.
Why does the wider media not publish such articles ? It could trigger an interesting debate of how valuable such predications are. In case they are valuable it would inform and warn the public of natural disasters.
Because it's rubbished... But I'm starting to think I should read this guys' update more often, seeing the article he published on Feb 14th http://www.predictweather.com/ArticleShow.aspx?ID=334&type=home.
If it's really possible to reliably predict natural disasters, earthquakes/tsunamis in particular, and not just dates but locations, I'd be keen to be involved in building a prediction software for that. It'd feel like working on something useful for a change. Just not sure whether it is possible to reliably predict such events.
Because the wider media are inept and are essentially just a propaganda machine who have lost sight of what journalism really is.
I didn't see the following in any media report at the time:
From RBNZ Press Conference Dec 10 2009 re Dec quarter monetary policy statement;
Question from Barry?
“are we to expect a properous and happy new year”?
Answer from Allan Bollard;
“Thankyou Barry for that point, finally on a more personal note, since this is the last press conference of the year, I would like to thank you very much for your help and co-operation through the year, it has been one amazing year as you all know, at the beginning of this year we were seriously worried about the financial system and the state of the economy, both in New Zealand and internationally, its with some relieve that we see much more secure conditions as we go into christmas time. I am aware that, um, at the beginning of the year when New Zealand was in such a vulnerable state, actually it would only have taken a, ah, one of the major media people looking for a fast headline, acting on rumour or passing on something irresponsibly to have sparked off some real problems in our system, that, we were concerned about that, that didn’t happen. You all, I felt, acted very responsibly through that and for that we would like to thank you. Finally its not a forecast but a wish, have a merry christmas, Barry and everyone else, thank you very much.”
Under -performance of ministers.
It is good to hear other people then my self complaining about the NZmedia. Considering the stage of the nation, it is important to push the NZmedia for a tougher approach dealing with politicians/ policymakers and other “important” people.
I cannot believe how many of our underperforming ministers are still in power.
I've recently been doing a lot of my own research into the banking/money system and the how's and why's of the GFC. I wish I'd done it a long time ago but I guess it's only become relevant to me now. What I've come to realise is that the masses are uninformed.
Throughout history, the numerous booms and busts have been caused by the same "players". These players include governments and they, along with the rest of the players certainly don't want the masses to know. I've noticed that the same people seem to be posting on this site and on the whole they seem reasonably intelligent and informed (some not so) and seem to understand the issues. I assume they've gathered the information themselves. There are a few here that are on the side of the players, but they're probably just as misinformed too. I think the general population, if they understood how the game works and that they can't win would most likely want to change the rules so that everyone gets to participate fairly.
That is where the media comes in here is an explanation of journalism according to wikipedia:
Role of Journalism
Although there is much variation within journalism, the ideal is to inform the citizenry.
Lippmann understood that journalism's role at the time was to act as a mediator or translator between the public and policy making elites. The journalist became the middleman. When elites spoke, journalists listened and recorded the information, distilled it, and passed it on to the public for their consumption. His reasoning behind this was that the public was not in a position to deconstruct the growing and complex flurry of information present in modern society, and so an intermediary was needed to filter news for the masses. Lippman put it this way: The public is not smart enough to understand complicated, political issues. Furthermore, the public was too consumed with their daily lives to care about complex public policy. Therefore the public needed someone to interpret the decisions or concerns of the elite to make the information plain and simple. That was the role of journalists. Lippmann believed that the public would affect the decision-making of the elite with their vote. In the meantime, the elite (i.e. politicians, policy makers, bureaucrats, scientists, etc.) would keep the business of power running. In Lippman's world, the journalist's role was to inform the public of what the elites were doing. It was also to act as a watchdog over the elites, as the public had the final say with their votes. Effectively that kept the public at the bottom of the power chain, catching the flow of information that is handed down from experts/elites.
Dewey, on the other hand, believed the public was not only capable of understanding the issues created or responded to by the elite, it was in the public forum that decisions should be made after discussion and debate. When issues were thoroughly vetted, then the best ideas would bubble to the surface. Dewey believed journalists should do more than simply pass on information. He believed they should weigh the consequences of the policies being enacted. Over time, his idea has been implemented in various degrees, and is more commonly known as "community journalism".
This concept of community journalism is at the centre of new developments in journalism. In this new paradigm, journalists are able to engage citizens and the experts/elites in the proposition and generation of content. It's important to note that while there is an assumption of equality, Dewey still celebrates expertise. Dewey believes the shared knowledge of many is far superior to a single individual's knowledge. Experts and scholars are welcome in Dewey's framework, but there is not the hierarchical structure present in Lippman's understanding of journalism and society. According to Dewey, conversation, debate, and dialogue lie at the heart of a democracy.
While Lippman's journalistic philosophy might be more acceptable to government leaders, Dewey's approach is a better description of how many journalists see their role in society, and, in turn, how much of society expects journalists to function. Americans, for example, may criticize some of the excesses committed by journalists, but they tend to expect journalists to serve as watchdogs on government, businesses and actors, enabling people to make informed decisions on the issues of the time.
I see it happening on a very small scale. What's more scary is that the masses may be too ignorant to take note.
Sympathy and best wishes to all the good folk in Christchurch.
JP Morgan are saying this may be the costliest insured disaster since (US) hurricane Ike in '08 and is affecting global insurance company values. Crikey!
http://noir.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aTw9XnJSDM_g&pos=3
One day an earthquake of this size, and most likely much larger will strike Wellington. As they say it's not a question of if but when. The death toll and loss of property will also likely be an order of magnitude much larger than Christchurch's when that fateful day comes. The Govt. doing all it can now and exercising its full powers in this most serious of national civil defence emergencies to help Christchurch, and quite rightly, will provide a vital means of learning and preparation for that future event. (After all what’s the Act for?)
We have not had a major earthquake strike a metropolitan area with a significant loss of life in New Zealand for almost 80 years. We have been very very lucky. But our luck ran out yesterday. The Government will get things wrong in Christchurch over the coming weeks and months of that there can be no doubt, but hopefully the lessons will be learnt and that in turn will benefit the whole country when future disasters come.
So let us steal ourselves for the task ahead, put our negativity aside, pick up our tools and get to work. At least we can take some comfort that when our Government declares a National State of Emergency we know it is done for legitimate reasons and we will not see mass arrests, detentions, arbitrary executions, disappearances and or the theft of personal property by the State carried out on the side. That is not our way.
Statement from US pres Obama:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/02/22/statement-president-earthquake-new-zealand
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. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives have been touched by this tragedy, especially as they search for their loved ones and work to recover from this disaster. The United States is a close friend and partner of New Zealand, as evidenced by the meeting of the U.S.-New Zealand Partnership Forum that was underway in Christchurch when the earthquake struck. To assist in the rescue and recovery efforts, we have agreed to deploy a U.S. Agency for International Development Disaster Assistance Response Team, including an Urban Search and Rescue Team, and we stand ready to provide more assistance as needed. 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 United States is a close friend and partner of New Zealand, as evidenced by the meeting of the U.S.-New Zealand Partnership Forum that was underway in Christchurch when the earthquake struck"
How sleazy to bring up that forum, a thinly disguised attempt to give US corporations greater rights than NZ citizens.
I've created a list of websites and contact phone numbers that may be of use to people affected by the Christchurch Earthquake. Please pass this on to anyone you think may get some use from it: http://goo.gl/VYFaZ
cheers,
Dave
Not only petrol prices are eating the wages away.
Conditions in the middle east make petrol prices currently going through the roof = $ 94.- plus.
What about the government making public transport better available for the general public and doesn’t charge GST for rural petrol stations with a 15% price reduction for customers ?
UPDATE: Press release from Fletcher Construction:
Fletcher Construction advises that the residential repair programme it is operating in Canterbury as agent for the Earthquake Commission (EQR) is temporarily on hold while resources are directed to emergency response.
Fletcher and EQC are working together to identify urgent requirements for repairs to ensure that buildings are safe, secure, sanitary and weathertight after yesterday’s earthquake. No other work on homes can be undertaken at this time.
This work is being co-ordinated through the Hub offices established in suburban locations over recent months. Fletcher is acting on claims information provided by EQC, which is taking urgent claims and related information on the established 0800 DAMAGE line.
The company is marshalling additional internal resources, including engineers, supervisors and other staff who have not been involved in the residential repair programme, who can be made available to assist with the response to yesterday’s earthquake, at the direction of established civil authorities.
The command centre for the Fletcher repair programme, in Deans Avenue, Christchurch, was damaged significantly in the earthquake. The building is being assessed for re-occupation and it is hoped that this can take place today.
Most of the Hub network has not been disabled by the earthquake and is able to participate in the emergency response process in conjunction with EQC.
In the meantime, it is vital to the recovery process that homeowners use the established EQC channels for any communication relevant to existing claims – ie. any communication on claims or related information must be via 0800 DAMAGE.
Muzza - the fact is minister Brownlee didn’t stop “Pike River” for safety checks despite the tragedy in West Virginia http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36183425/ns/us_news-life/ a few months earlier and minister Joyce imports quality infrastructure needs in the Billions, despite a massive account deficit and an underdeveloped NZproduction sector. NZeconomy just doesn’t provide enough decent jobs (youth unemployment massive). Allocating orders to NZcompanies would result in massive benefits for our NZworkforce, entrepreneurialism, innovation etc. The list of advantages is almost endless. Ministers should perform on a high level – the two simply don’t.
When do we ask our civil servants inclunding ministers for high performance in stead of excuses e.g. private expenses ? Too many are in power and they shouldn’t.
PS> I'm a high performer with my business for 40 years now.
Caveat: this isn't a statement this is a genuine question.
I keep asking myself, how many more earthquakes or periods of sustained aftershocks will it take before it's determined that Christchurch is not habitable or sustainable as city?
Is there a point where insurers refuse to reinsure for earthquake damage, thereby causing permanent financial loss to residents who have no option but to leave the city?
Expatriated
Christchurch WILL rebuild
It is an unfortunate fact of life that every settlement in NZ is susceptible to natural hazards. We have no option but to live with it.
Wellington is overdue for a massive earthquake, Auckland could have a major volcanic eruption or even an earthquake.
We cannot AVOID these things. But through better design, planning and preparation we can become more resilient.
Matt, you are an architect aren't you? Will better "building" design actually help if this happens again? It may be possible to build structures that resist to strong earthquakes but is it possible to do that in a place where the ground turns to something as unstable as quicksand? It seems crazy to spend tons of money rebuilding in the same spot if it's not. There are areas in Canterbury not so prone to liquefaction as Chch is (I think anyway).
Hi Elley
yes but I am not a geotech or structural engineer - they are the true experts in this respect!
But of course there is much one can do these days with building technologies - of course even then some buildings may be vulnerable, but its all about improving resilience of building structures, of substantially mitigating risk but not avoiding it altogether (impossible)
I for one would rather see more of the "bomb proof" type architecture of the 50s/60s - like the Christchurch hospital. Some of that style is better looking than others - some is quite harsh looking, but it can be done in a quite elegant way. Far too much glass in modern buildings for my liking - not particularly sustainable and not great in an earthquake--prone country for obvious reasons
New Vic uni building has structural pillars that can move and be replaced in the event they get damaged, cost more to build but less to repair.......
Old buildings were often not terribly "symetrical" in stiffness so they twisted in an earth quake which stretches concrete, concrete doesnt stretch too well....concrete's strength is in compression....
Glass, well in terms of sustainable, yes it can be, ie you melt it down and re-use it....energy wise its not good as the heat losses / gains are nearly 6 times that per m2 of a std wall but you can compensate to an extent for that in summer at least. NZ's air temp is low v its sun gain, a perfect country for passive cooling techniques....but architects generall hate it as it compromises their floor plans etc............Mounting glass properly should be OK....but I have to admit lets see how it does in the real world....;]
regards
Yep, thanks. I guess also if all could be (re)built with just a ground floor, two floors at most and no tall buildings at all that would lessen the risks significantly but Chch is already a sprawling city (compared to Wellington for example) and I don't think it'd be really an option to do that. I think many people's/architects' idea these days is to do just the opposite in fact and concentrate a lot of people in cities business districts so tall buildings seem unavoidable.
Christchurch rethink - of rebuilding CBD.
Obviously the city centre has taken the biggest hit and liquefaction is a major concern in that region.
Why not leave this area with a number of green memorial parks, other recreational activities and only small complexes of shops. Why rebuild infrastructures, risking life's and investment, which are in danger of another hit ?
Chistchurch the biggest Garden City in the world !
Why not rebuild in safer areas and smaller 2-3 storey business buildings on the outskirts of Christchurch where actually people live ? Regional public transport into Christchurch isn't that great - petrol $ 96.-
Hugh Pavletich and other experts have probably a number of ideas.
I agree, that's what I'd do. I don't know who'll want to keep living there honestly, let alone move to Chch from elsewhere.
I've read of many people leaving temporarily or even leaving everything behind for a few years. Some of our friends have left to go with family elsewhere in NZ and we are expecting to have people staying with us soon (having one's own waste water mini-treatment plant and a 20,000l water tank does have advantages). Rangiora/Oxford seem to have withstood both earthquakes much better than Chch. We were much closer to the epicentre than Chch in the Sept earthquake but had no liquefaction issues whatsoever, and no damage reported in the area.
Kunst - you're onto it.
In ww2, they built Spitfires in 'satellite' factories (some were ex-furniture factories, for instance) so that a bombing couldn't take out production. The internet is invulnerable for the same reason.
We are seeing the rapid elimination of physical retail infrastructure, as fat is pruned from supply chains.
So forget CBD's; go for lowrise sattelite hubs, above-ground services (it was just arrogance to put them underground - pretty overruled practical) lots more work-from-home.
Won't happen though. Within 24 hours, our esteemed leader was discussing the effect on 'GDP'.
There are many places in the world where people live that are not insurable, people can only walk away if they suffer total loss or can sustain the loss and have a choice. There is no where in NZ that can absorb 350,000 people timely or easily, let alone Australia. I think they will rebuild possibly further south or north of the current area if necessary.
I do think it will have to become a nationwide effort to relocate refugees from this catastrophy. I think the infrastructure damage to water, sewerage, roads, distribution networks and outlets will be too much to overcome/sustain the population in the interim. This time I think will require evacuation particularly of those areas subject to liquifaction.
Additionally, I think the trauma for children is just too much. Too many months of constant stress associated with aftershocks already. Families with young children in particular deserve to be relocated. I don't think these children should continue to be living amongst the destruction and clean up.
As soon as some agency opens up a register of those able to take a family into their home - we'll be putting our hand up.
I agree that the psychological effects would be too much for many - especially children.
Other locations do suffer from intermittent natural disasters. Bush fires in Australia occur annually but can be anticipated and are seasonal. Auckland has been expecting a "big one" for quite some time.
Both of those are totally different to Christchurch getting hammered by earth quakes and after shocks with no anticipated end in sight. They'll keep rebuilding the city for how long before the financial cost becomes unmanageable?
Earth-quake "proofed" buildings are designed not to collapse during an earthquake to prevent death but that doesn't guarantee that they will be safe for occupation after the event.
To any one from CChurch: I really do wish you all the best and hope you stay safe. My comments are not intended to belittle what you've endured. I'm just trying to take a step backwards and take a wider look at the scenario. I certainly hope this the last of it and mother-earth settles down and leaves you in peace.
FYI TV3 reporting that Sumner is being evacuated because of the danger of falling rocks from the cliffs above.
Bernard
I have just come from picking M in Law up out at Sumner. The city really is in a bad bad shape I cant even think how they will start to re build it.
But if any minister (brownlee and key) is reading this please please please dont leave us like you did after Sept the 4th. Many many people this time will need support from, hotel worker, office staff, cleaners, accountants,lawyers, teachers, all of those who work in CBD etc etc..thye will need support ,we all got the feeling that you left us last time after the intial rescue operation and we had no one to turn too..
fcm, this will be a national focus for years to come mate...from an industry perspective theres a shitload of capacity in the lower south, this will increase once our stadium is done...and we can come up there and watch the highlanders thump the crusaders! everyone 'round the country is with you guys...mark, dunners
Cheers Mjt..not sure about the highlanders betting the crusaders..but as long as a SI team wins...it's been a bit up and down toda alot of tears with family.Talking to neighbours we are just not sure what future holds for us and our families, CHC was a great place live but now we are all wondering when this will stop so we can re build...but the damage is just huge this time many businesses , polytech etc in CBD and we know it has basically sunk..but all your messages of suport are appreciated.
My family has had enough and we are out of Chch forever. We talked about it through the aftershocks even before Tuesday. They were too hard on the nerves and then this happened. One of my wife's friends has been killed and she's beyond distraught. Friends have offered us a place in Taupo and we like it up there but I'm thinking somewhere in NZ that's more geologically stable, if it's even possible. But as far away from faultlines anyway. The alternative is Australia, and we're seriously looking into that option. But Chch is history for us and a few others we know. It's time to get away from the shakes and go somewhere warmer in the winter.
I dont blame you munter..After the first one back in September would have been enough warning for me.Being "Gung Ho" and swearing to rebuild Proves great character but sadly misplaced...Only a mug rebuilds on a proven active fault line.Wouldn't it be fair to offer enough cash insurance for people to have the deposit and enough cash to tie them over for any place they want to live in NZ?? Then Rebuild the Port only?..Cristchurch people must be so traumatised that this would be the fairest way....
Learn to read, before you try to belittle people.
Munter said "Friends have offered us a place in Taupo and we like it up there but I'm thinking somewhere in NZ that's more geologically stable, if it's even possible."
As an aside, if it was me facing this decision, I'd be considering Northland and Australia.
Good for you Munter..We would but how can you when you have a mortgage, relocate kids, , house is buggered and now very real prospect no jobs on top of the emotional costs of peopel you know have died, mothers, children etc..we had phone meeting last night simplest option for our business is to relocate it to AKL branch and scale that up..how do you tell 45 people that this is the best option when most are in the above sitatuion? 65 percent CBD can not be used again period...10's of thousands displaced and 10 thousand odd live in CBD as well....just thinking about this brings you to tears
We have an apartment free for two (emergency/ stress) until the 2nd of March 2011 Rate: 0.-
Why am I one of the only NZ'ers who is actually mad over this Earthquake.
The people who were killed by falling bricks and Masonry didn't need to die, it wasn't the strength of the Earthquake that killed them it was the Historic Places Trust Act which stops you from tearing down old buildings that are esentially Earthquake death traps and rebuilding modern buildings. I mean people were protesting in Christchurch after the September Earthquake because an Historic "death trap" was being pulled down.
The same bricks and masonry that killed people in Napier killed people in Christchurch in 80 years lots was learned but little was applied. The save the old buildings crowd have a near strangle hold over the Christchurch city council and it really showed with the latest earthquake.
New Zealand has no right bulding with bricks and masonry we knew this after the Napier earthquake yet Christchurch is full of these types of buildings and while Auckland and Wellington have changed central Christchurch hasn't that is in effct the saddest thing about this Earthquake many of the people who died didn't need to if we had just let go of this weird obsession with preserving buildings so in the event of an Earthquake they can dump their bricks on you and kill you. That beautiful Gargoyle on top of the building may look beautiful now but its not so beautiful when its hiting you in the head during an Earthquake.
The Christchurch CBD was a deathtrap we knew this before the September Earthquake, after the September Earthquake everyone should of known this now after the latest Earthquake it should be real clear to people that bricks and masonry do not belong in NZ Cities and Towns. We are not England, Christchurch is not a mini-london our Island moves theirs doesn't.
Also why is this Myth that only Wellington can have an Earthquake so strong in the NZ mindset.
The Big one doesn't hit Wellington it hits the whole top of the south island from Christchurch to Wellington all the cities will be affected. The Alpine fault slippage could be as large as 400km. The rock slips in the Southern Alps would be enormous and would completly cut off the west coast. We as a country need to stop this myth and face up to the fact that the Big one is just that a BIG one and it will be devastating to the whole country.
It's easy to be wise after an event. With no identified fault-lines, until the first 'quake there was an understandable lack of worry.
There is also a need to nurture your culture - strangely, 'the market' fails to deliver that one.
The thing to contemplate now - is what will be needed in say 50 years time. It won't be a CBD, in any shape or form.
And you are still pushing the MYTH that Christchurch couldn't have an Earthquake. There is nothing hindsight in my position I was aware of this back in the 90's after siting through first year geology at Canterbury University. The liquafication class and Christchurch being used as an example where that would occur was well KNOWN thank you.
I suspect by your post that you belong to the save our buildings Crowd right?
So just to make this clear you believe just the CTV and PGG building collapsed I mean no Masonry or brick walls came crashing down onto the streets right that didn't happen. The picture of the bus covered in bricks that was just made up.
The 4-5 story buildings collapsing probably have something to do with the Mexico 1985 Earthquake.
The Masonry and Brick work that people seem to think is wonderful is more us the people of NZ being a bit noddy like with a building practises. The stuff falls off during Earthquakes lands in the streets and hits people. It belongs in nice little England but doesn't belong anywhere in NZ.
We are pretty good at baning things in NZ, why don't we ban bricks??
Hi Andy, going on comments from Bruce Irvine on Nat radio yesterday, and the notes I quickly took on my lunch wrapper while listening, my understanding is it was built in the 1960s. Had a refurbishment 8-9 years ago, with "earthquake reinforcement done".
Cheers
Alex
Oh but you are not alone in that call David C....however bugger all will happen....within days the same idiots will be going public with demands that piles of shit be protected because they look pretty....
Let's see if the judicial system makes any effort what so ever to determine who is to blame for the deaths. My money is on a very big carpet being used and a huge broom to sweep away all the nasty secrets.
Most of the facades made of brick and concrete shit in Chch were supported by their own weight, a few belated steel bracing if at all...and council rubber stamping. The PGC pile appears to have been poorly designed and/or badly built and not fit for purpose. The newspaper building we are told had not been earth quake proofed in any way.
As for Wgtn....and the expected quake to come...100 times the energy is the best guess...we both know what will happen.
My initial reaction was anger too. All I could think of was if I had a family there I would have wanted the experts and the government to admit the probabilities of the place suffering future more devastating events in the aftermath of Sept 4. Common sense would tell us that given the frequency of aftershocks that the earth underneath had not settled. Instead, the rhetoric was one of the resiliance of communities and the commitment of government to re-build.
Of course it is the economics of private property rights that drives us to remain in harms way. Same happened in New Orleans - it was a political decision to allow rebuilding in areas which experts said should have been re-zoned non-residential, open space zones.
I was pleased today to see Mayor Parker suggesting that people moving out of the quake zone might be a positive thing. It is time for officials to stop talking up the 'stick it out / stick together' story. Time for government to consider state lead evacuation/relocation efforts.
The TradeMe community is already doing that in an informal way;
http://www.trademe.co.nz/christchurch-earthquake-support
I'd expect MSD to undertake a more coordinated, professional effort giving priority to relocate those with children into school districts which have the necessary extra capacity. The government also needs to coordinate through the banks some kind of government guaranteed mortgage holiday for all those abandoned/affected properties. People should not remain in residences without reticulated safe drinking water and particularly working sewerage systems. Evacuation is really the only answer.
Kate Civil Defense is running an accommodation network system. I don't know how well it is running but various organisations/companies are feeding through their 'accommodation available' lists to them.
Fonterra is putting 5 silos from Clandeboye in around the city to store water.
I spoke to family in their 80's whose home was badly affected today. They have no water or sewerage and live in the Port Hills. They have set up a bucket for a toilet and are using water containers for storing water. When I spoke to them today they were obviously still traumatised. He doesn't want to leave the house - says it is like camping! - but his wife can see the long term problems and so they have agreed they will leave on Saturday. People will make their decision to move out when they are emotionally ready to do so. For some it will be sooner, for some it will be later.
And Housing New Zealand has been assigned the task of coordinating relocation for the government;
http://www.housinghelp.govt.nz/
Great initiative - I hope word gets out to those that are considering it. Many now just need to know what they might leave behind will be protected/looked after.
From observation, I have clients working with MSD, they have actually performed better than most since September. Community focus is something you seems to miss, people lose a great deal leaving a community, a great sense of loss, like children often lose a great deal in learning discipline/focus changing schools. Not all however many. I think lessons from September will be learnt, they have serious money to throw at the problem from reinssurance especially social policy and support. It is about people and I note on the Northern motorway and airport as my family has departed out for a break,many who are prepared to break from the community on theri own terms, some will come back others will not, they are acting with their own needs in mind, everyone is different. However people make a place, if your family is here and you are close you can't just extract people.
I will get a few clients/business sorted and then assess if I stay here after consulting with my family. Still not going to let down the people who work for me.
I expected another subsantantial earthquake, especially after boxing day and 20th Jan aftershocks plus Chiles experience. I just had no idea how powerful the results actually would be. Canterbury will come out of this very differently and I hope leadership does find some vision. Unfortunately it has been lacking in the past otherwise this place would have been a real revival to Auckland.
It sad as it was such a liveable city.
Hi all. trademe have launched an earthquake site to help with emergency accommodation etc.
Kate you are right, we have people in at work today, we are in shipping so need to keep logisitics going , half of people have come in we have cleaned up the office and got servers back up and runing so be working odd hours (no one wants to relocate to AKL) (no water so cant make people stay but they all realise the importance and want some normalality) for next month or so..some people have not come in as they have lost everything..we are talking to the office in AKL we are trying to explain the massive task ahead..NZ will not have the resources or skills to rebuild on this scale they are going to have to get outside help, either from Asia, USA or something..the amnt of work places and people displaced this time around is just huge and nothing NZ has dealt with before..(people that jhave lsot there house do not want to be told it will be 4 years until you have somewhere to live or work)
I just hope the Government can get a robust plan than is communciated with the people in place (As they failed to do this after Setp 4th) and the right professionals (not themselves they do not have the skills) in place to run with the processes
Yes from my reading after Sept 4th - it was a bureaucratic nightmare. I was extremely impressed with the Dutch (?) chap who heads Civil Defence here in NZ - he spoke with what seemed to be extremely highly skilled operational management experience. And that's what we need - operational managers of high quality - making the plans and executing them. Typical bureaucrats are policy, not operational people.
Hopefully Key's meetings with top NZ CEOs will be extremely helpful. Like Air NZs CEO - these folks are operational in their orientation - they, like you, are skilled in logistics - movement of people and stuff to make things happen.
Now is not the time for "talk" with the CEO's of the top 40 coys. Now is the time for inspired leadership, to keep the community together. For an indication of what is needed go and stand at the eastern entrance to the Haast Pass tunnel and read the inscriptions describing the efforts and accomplishments of the common people at a time of adversity. And be inspired. That requires vision and leadership and it is needed now. Increase the OCR cash rate by 1% (efficient and immediate), and implement a tax-levy (inefficient and slow), then use the proceeds of both to immediately subsidise those who have been impacted, establish housing camps and employ every able-bodied local displaced person at their normal rate of pay to clean up and get going. Rebuild. Otherwise the population will slowly leak away.
If you had just watched an interview on TVNZ with two Ministers (Mapp for Defence and Collins for Police) - you'd realise how operationally incompetent these people are. They are an absolute waste of space in a disaster zone. In trying to answer a question on what the Navy were seeing/doing in Lyttleton, Mapp showed us he didn't even understand local geography/governance - referring to Bob Parker as the previous Mayor of Lyttleton.
Key needs to get government Ministers outta there and leave it to the operational managers in there.
Brownlie as previous Minister for Earthquake recovery did a pretty shoddy job of it previously from what feedback I've had on what Chch citizens felt about administration follwoing the Sept 4 event. And he's been retained in the job? Perhaps tells us something of the calibre of the political team Key has to work with. I'm delighted to hear he's seeking out the private sector in this.
They may or may not be operationally incompetent, but after reading some of your comments above, Kate, you're definitely a fruit loop!
Anyway I’m outter here. After reading some of the comments around here over the last day or so, they are so woeful, so analytically shallow and just so mind numbingly ignorant and stupid, well nothing more needs to be said really does it. Cya.
David B is right , there's alotta ignorant comments flying aboot ............ But in all fairness , you gotta be here at " Ground Zero " to truely get the gut wrenching feel for what has devastated our beloved city .
......... I picked the wrong week to come home . But I wouldn't wish it otherwise . When your fellow citizens are in peril , all the munny / Labour vs National / house-prices ..... all that shit just flies out the window .
Overwhelmingly , Cantabs have stretched out the hand of help and friendship to one another ........ And so have Kiwis up & down the length of this splendid little country , girt-by-sea .
....... The Aussie banks can go and root themselves . Gadaffi too . ........ 'Cos we've learnt summit special ; the heart and soul of our little land still beats strongly . We really do care about one another . And that is bloody special in an over-populated , dog-eat-dog world .
Bless you NZ !
[ ... have enjoyed your comments DB , hope you'll be back ....... someone's gotta stop Kate and Kunst from running amok ! .......... cheers .....]
Christchurch is chaos. Nearly half the city will need demolished. From my time in the CBD on Tuesday, half of the high rises will probably need taken. Expect this to cost an easy $20b on top of the $5b the September one caused.
What we need right now, given that much of the city is unoccupiable for perhaps weeks until services are restored is army patrols on every street right now.
There are tanks on the edges of the four aves but we need to stop the looters and vandals immediately. GET THE WHOLE ARMED FORCES IN CHCH RIGHT NOW PLEASE.
There is no point in the civil defence demolishing buildings quickly to clear up the CBD because the CBD won't be up and running for several months possibly not for a year or more. Let property owners arrange to salvage what they can before the random demo crews indiscrimately move in.
Get the security sorted first, so people can take a break with peace of mind.
Second, start full payouts immediately or at least backdate interest to the date of the quake on top of the payout. No more Fletchers rubbish.
Chris_J says - "No more Fletchers rubbish" - perhaps you could explain - because said company will be "front and centre" of John Key's tele-conference today and will presumably have a great deal of influence in any outcomes - at least John Key will be able to say he did something. A talk-fest.
I agree. I saw a lady interviewed today. She'd been damaged in the first quake. Had been living in her damaged house all this time. Apparently, the recommendation regarding that damage was to temporarily remove her house, "fix" the land underneath it and then plonk the house back on the section.
People should not be expected to go through this "process" yet again - should they?
Chris_J , sounds like a lot of help is heading your way. I know it seems slow but its coming. my digger driver just had to go, he's with the local fire crew in our small village and it looks like he is heading your way this week. I think with a national emergency declared anyone looting risks being shot, its just that petty criminals have got away with it for years and cannot tell the difference this time.
The ferry is full of crews heading south, so hopefully in the next few hours it will be under control. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. If we can help in any way please let us know.
Andrew
No one expects the CBD to be operating, I know of several businesses who are in the process of relocating to the outskirts of christchurch, those that moving quickly realise they need to secure operations. Many people who have been establisehed in the city do not want to leave.
Yeah we are going to have rebuild the CBD after getting rid of the Brick buildings of course. What we don't want to do is just pick the bricks back up off the ground and put them into the walls, those buildings need to go.
A lot of the buildings have probably sunk thanks to the liquefication. I have not seen enough photos but are the pancaked buildings all around the same height, is the PGC and the CTV around the same height. I am not a structral engineer but if the pancaked buildings are around the same height then the earthquake could of got close to their resonate frequency which can bring the buildings down. Different height buildings have different frequency. In the 1985 Mexico City Earthquake the buildings that came down were all around the same height. Both Christchurch and Mexico City sit on sediment beds drained lake for Mexico City, swamp for Christchurch.
Remember this Earthquake had the fastest acceleration for a NZ earthquake, thats probably due to the christchurch sediment as it magnifies the effect.
I think we have focused a little bit too much on Wellington and ignored Christchurch, of course Earthquakes are going to behave differently in Christchurch thanks to the sediments which you don't get in Wellington. The two cities are so different from a geological point of view. That same earthquake in Wellington wouldn't have been magnified like it was in Christchurch.
Lets hope we never see the M8 Alpine Fault that could produce damage over half of the south Island. Of course as long as we live in NZ it is eventually going to happen.
David C
You're right about resonant frequency, but that in turn is governed by mass. I built with 11kg/sq.m of surface area - no mass, no inertia.
High rises in the CBD probably won't be a 'goer', you just can't make them light enough to carry/brace themselves, and by the time you do, they've got momentum and they've got sinking-weight.
CBD's were going to be an obsolete concept within a few years anyway - a al whitcoulls. As the world moves to energy efficiency, middle-everything will be eliminated.
Hope you and yours are OK.
Hi all for more on govt powers under National State of Emergency, see this post from Andrew Geddis at Pundit
http://www.pundit.co.nz/content/sometimes-an-emergency-really-is-just-an-emergency
Hope those in Christchurch are ok. Hang in there.
Cheers
Alex
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