Christchurch New Zealand Earthquake Information Update
Magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred in Christchurch at 0435 hours, 4 September 2010. Several aftershocks of between magnitude 3.9 and 5.2 have occurred and more aftershocks are expected. The likelihood of aftershocks of up to around magnitude 6 will remain for the next week.
(PressZoom) - Magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred in Christchurch at 0435 hours, 4 September 2010. Several aftershocks of between magnitude 3.9 and 5.2 have occurred and more aftershocks are expected. The likelihood of aftershocks of up to around magnitude 6 will remain for the next week.
There has been widespread minor structural damage to buildings and smaller bridges. Across the Canterbury region the delivery of water, sewerage and power services has been impaired but is being restored.
Mains power has been restored to all Christchurch hospitals. One person is in the Intensive Care Unit of Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries; a small number have been treated for fractures and lacerations. It is estimated that around 100 injured patients seen on Saturday relate to the earthquake.
A severe weather warning for gale force wind on Sunday could place significant stress on already damaged buildings and damage temporary repairs to buildings. On Monday evening rain is expected in the Canterbury region with 150 mm falling around the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers.
Canterbury Regional Civil Defence Emergency Coordination Centre is operational. Most of the Emergency Operations Centres in the Canterbury region are activated. The National Crisis Management Centre is activated.
Christchurch City Council Civil Defence and Selwyn District Council have declared a state of local emergency.
The National Crisis Management Centre will be functioning overnight to ensure any central government support and coordination that might be needed is available at first light in the morning, New Zealand time.
Police have imposed a cordon for the Christchurch CBD, inside Kilmore, Madras, St Asaph and Montreal streets, and for the Kaiapoi CBD, from 7pm to 7am.
People requiring information on income support, housing options, health issues, community assistance, Civil Defence or any other government service can call the Earthquake Government Helpline: 0800 77 999 7. The 0800 information line will operate overnight Saturday-Sunday, all day Sunday and then daily between 7am and 10pm.
If you have a health emergency call an ambulance on 111. For other health advice call the 24/7 Healthline: 0800 611 116.
Water supplies Water and sewage have been affected in several regions. There is expected to be limited flooding in places as a result of the damage to pipes. Residents should conserve water. For information about storing or treating water go to getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7H442M?OpenDocument
All Selwyn residents are being asked to conserve water, but especially in Rolleston. Rolleston water supply is contaminated. Minimise water use, e.g. flushing toilets.
Urban Search and Rescue A total of 83 people, 7 search dogs and 2 full caches of equipment have been deployed to the region. Equipment includes full compliment of technical search, rescue and self sustainability modules. Operations will recommence at 0700hrs, Sunday morning.
Electricity Power was restored to 77 per cent of Christchurch city by midday Saturday. Power was expected to be restored to 90 per cent or more of the city overnight. Rural areas in central Canterbury are largely out of power as a result of downed poles or lines.
EQC earthquake damage claims Homeowners with insured properties that have been damaged by the earthquake can lodge a claim with the Earthquake Commission. 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.
Hospital Christchurch hospital is fully functional. The building has been damaged but this is not affecting its response to the event. One minor facility in the Canterbury District Health Board has reported minor damage but is operational. Ambulance services have now returned to normal levels of operation.
Housing Significant damage has been reported in Christchurch and some collapses in inland central Canterbury. Exact numbers are not yet available but building damage is being collated by responding agencies.
Commercial property There has been damage to commercial properties. 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. If you are a retailer or building owner and have any concerns over the structural integrity of your building, do not enter it. Aftershocks present a real threat to already weakened structures.
Health Sewerage lines have been affected - the extent to which is not yet clear. Streams and waterways are likely to be contaminated by sewage. Public health has issued advice to the public to boil water. For other health advice call the Healthline: 0800 611 116.
For information on protecting yourself in an emergency, visit moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/977
For advice on food safety go to, nzfsa.govt.nz/publications/media-releases/2007/food-safety-in-adverse-weather.htm
Roads The State Highway system is open throughout the Canterbury region with the exception of State Highway 74, which is closed near Bromley. All state highway bridges across the region are open to traffic. Lyttelton tunnel has been reopened after inspection. The Canterbury Emergency Coordinating Centre has reported that some road bridges in the city centre are down.
State Highway 77 is closed between Glentunnel and the Rakaia River bridge. However, a local road bypass is available via Hororata. A few bridges are impassable in the Selwyn District but there are alternative routes available. There are no local roads that are completely impassable, however, care is needed on many. It may be a few days before a clear picture is available for all roads.
Rail The decision has been made to run no further trains between Ashburton and Christchurch due to continuing after shocks. Further inspection will be made at daylight.
Bridge 18 between Kaiapoi and Belfast has suffered extensive damage. Structural engineers will make a further assessment on Sunday morning. In the mean time, the Picton-Rangiora line is open to allow rail freight as far south as Rangiora.
The Belfast-Rangiora line is closed due to extensive damage.
The Christchurch-Belfast line has medium damage. The track has been inspected and is anticipated to open in 48 hours.
The Lyttelton-Middleton line is closed and is anticipated to open in 24 hours (structures are being assessed).
The Rolleston-Cass line is closed has sustained medium damage and requires further inspection before an estimate opening time can be given.
All other lines are open.
Port Status A visual inspection of the Lyttelton harbour has indicated no damage. A gradual resumption of activities is planned.
Airport Christchurch airport opened at 1330 hours Saturday and is fully operational including for night flights.
Building safety Christchurch City Council and other authorities have activated its Building Safety Evaluation process. Several roads have been closed so buildings can be assessed. If you are a retailer or building owner have any concerns over the structural integrity of your building, do not enter it. There are numerous aftershocks which present a real threat to already weakened structures.
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.
More information For more information about the quake visit geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/3366146g.htmlFor public preparedness information: getthru.govt.nzEnvironment Canterbury media release information ecan.govt.nz/pages/home.aspx
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