Citation

Fleisher S. Australas. J. Disaster Trauma Stud. 2019; 23(2): 91-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Massey University, School of Psychology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near Kaikōura township, Aotearoa New Zealand, on the 14th of November 2016 causing widespread damage and disruption. In the worst-affected areas (including Wellington City), Civil Defence and Emergency Management response organisations activated for extended periods of time to ensure safety and provide welfare support to affected people. The main priorities included taking charge of response efforts while collaborating with the emergency services and lifeline utilities. This ensured public safety, welfare support, and early preparation for the transition to recovery. In Wellington, approximately 80 buildings within the central business district were damaged, including the port area which suffered liquefaction. The overall cost of repairs, including insured losses to the city's buildings, infrastructure, and economy was approximately NZ$2 to 3 billion. Repairs will take many years to complete. However, feedback from lifeline utilities suggested that most services were not severely affected, except for the port. Roads, electricity, potable water, sewerage, and communications were the critical priorities for restoration. Despite ongoing remediation programmes, the Wellington region's infrastructure (including Wellington City) remains vulnerable to the effects of a future large earthquake.

Language: en