Christchurch Earthquake 2011 Case Study

The Christchurch earthquake of 2011 was a significant seismic event that struck New Zealand's second-largest city.

Key details:

• Magnitude 6.3 on the Richter scale
• Population affected: 390,300
• Very close to the epicenter

Primary effects of Christchurch earthquake 2011:

• 181 deaths
• 200 people trapped
• Gas pipes exploded, causing fires

Economic impacts of Christchurch earthquake 2011:

• 10,000 homes destroyed
• 100,000 homes damaged
• Central Christchurch severely affected due to building collapses

Immediate responses to Christchurch earthquake 2011:

• People taken to buildings for food and water
• Volunteers mobilized
• £20 million allocated for rebuilding
• Fire engines ran out of water due to the scale of fires

Secondary effects of Christchurch earthquake 2011:

• Aid and expertise sought from other countries
• Heavy lifting equipment required for rescue operations

Long-term mitigation:

• Implementation of computer-controlled building structures
• Consideration of the "doughnutting" effect in urban planning

Highlight: The Christchurch earthquake 2011 led to significant improvements in building design and urban planning to mitigate future earthquake risks.

Haiti Earthquake 2010 Case Study

The Haiti earthquake 2010 was a catastrophic event that struck the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.

Key details:

• Magnitude 7 earthquake
• Epicenter 24 km south of Port-au-Prince
• Shallow focus of 13 km

Primary effects of Haiti earthquake 2010:

• 3 million people affected
• 280,000 buildings damaged or destroyed
• Haiti earthquake 2010 death toll: 100,000-160,000 people

Economic impacts of Haiti earthquake 2010:

• 1 in 5 lost jobs
• Largest industry (clothing) destroyed

Secondary impacts of Haiti earthquake 2010:

• Police force collapsed
• Outbreaks of cholera and typhoid

Immediate responses:

• Dominican Republic provided immediate aid (water, food, hospitals)
• American Red Cross raised $87 million in 24 hours
• 400 children adopted by American and Dutch families

Long-term responses to Haiti earthquake 2010:

• Government moved 235,000 people to secure locations
• Slow recovery: after 6 months, 98% of rubble remained, 1.4 million lived in tents
• 2015 drought and 2016 Hurricane Matthew further hindered recovery efforts

Highlight: The Haiti earthquake 2010 had devastating long-term consequences, with recovery efforts hampered by subsequent natural disasters and pre-existing poverty.

Hazardous Earth Case Studies

This page presents a map of Africa and parts of Asia, highlighting various geographical features such as mountains, lakes, and deserts. While not directly related to hazardous earth events, it sets the stage for discussing global geological phenomena.

Highlight: The map showcases major African landmarks like Mount Kilimanjaro, the Kalahari Desert, and Lake Victoria, providing context for the global nature of geological events.