Environment

New Zealand Earthquake 2010: Christchurch on Alert For Another

by Amy Judd | September 7, 2010 at 10:40 am

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The Cleanup After the New Zealand Earthquake on September 3 2010 is Ongoing, But Residents of Christchurch and the Canterbury Region Are On Alert for Another Big Earthquake

The Age reports that after a powerful aftershock of 5.2 and about 20 others hit the North Island of New Zealand on Monday, residents affected by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake last Saturday are on high alert for another earthquake to strike.

Christchurch remains in a state of emergency and most of the city is still closed down as buildings are too unstable, but experts are warning that another powerful earthquake might hit in the next few days. It could be as powerful as a magnitude 6.

More than 100 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 3.2 to 5.4, have rocked the region since Saturday's quake.

No one was killed in the powerful earthquake last week, but many have lost their homes and possessions and it is not known when lives might even begin getting back to normal.

"It was as strong as the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year, which caused widespread devastation and is estimated to have killed approximately 230,000 people," Prime Minister John Key said Tuesday. "Although no one lost their life ... families have been traumatized and lost their valued possessions."

The New Zealand government have announced that they will pay about 90 percent of the costs related to the earthquakes, estimated to be in the millions of dollars range.

The powerful earthquake struck at about 4:35am on Saturday morning; many people lost power and there was a risk of flooding as water and sewer pipes burst. The AP reports that about 100,000 of the region's 160,000 homes were damaged.

If you use Google Earth you can use their program to get a visual of the earthquakes.

Flickr has also set up a page with some user-generated photos.

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Bob Slogen (not verified)

at 02:42 on September 9th, 2010

Awesome!

E.Conway

at 03:48 on September 9th, 2010

Great effort by the government. Lets just hope it is sorted out in time for the rugby world cup!

Sheila Cook (not verified)

at 06:56 on September 12th, 2010

My son in law was working in Christchurch Nr Darfield and sleeping in his friend's sleepout; he was woken up by things falling off the shelves and the water pipes bursting. So relieved no-one was killed in the earthquake. So sorry to see all the damage in Christchurch and surrounding areas . Keep safe Kiwi's Regards Sheila

sophie sharpe (not verified)

at 07:44 on September 13th, 2010

hey there, How are things in Christchurch? My husband and I are moving to the south island soon, we were in Christchurch at the end of last year its such a shame to see the damage to all the buildings!

nicolemcquaide (not verified)

at 08:46 on September 15th, 2010

hi this is amzing pageg and good for homework x (:

Ed & Jean Rose (not verified)

at 15:10 on September 18th, 2010

Only just returned to Scotland from vacation in Spain, away from the usual UK tourist resorts, and therefore new nothing about the devastation in New Zealand. We presume there was coverage on the news here when this tragedy hit Christchurch but there is a definite lack of information about the colossal aftershocks NZ is suffering. Reading the report on this site about your government bearing 90% of the costs is the most refreshing piece of news we could ever imagine. Is it true?? In the UK, and in particular Scotland, the poor and the needy would be expected to pay through higher taxes to preserve the wanton greed of any government in power and of course the filthy rich. The ordinary people of this country do not forget the ties we have with our bothers in arms. You like us seek little in times of disaster. God bless Ed & Jean Rose