After two days of relative peace, Christchurch residents have lived through four aftershocks in the space of eight hours. According to Geonet, these quakes registered 3.2, 3.6, 4.1 and 5.0 on the Richter scale. The last one was reported as having potentially caused minor damage. Buildings already weakened by the Christchurch earthquake are susceptible to further damage by aftershocks.
Was an Earthquake Expected in Christchurch
New Zealand lies on the margin of two colliding tectonic plates and this causes frequent seismic activity in the country. The Christchurch earthquake was unexpected as the fault that ruptured was not known to seismologists. Much of the seismic activity occurs in the southwest of the South Island and in the central area of North Island.
How are Residents Handling the Aftershocks
The general feel in the city is that the aftershocks are a constant reminder that life does not seem as secure as it was a few weeks ago. In the weeks following the Christchurch earthquake, many people filled prescriptions for sleeping tablets to help them sleep through the nightly shakes. Pharmacists reported that this trend has tapered off but they are still supplying more sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medication than normal.
With the spate of aftershocks on the 13th October, it’s possible that anxiety levels will rise again as people are reminded of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake and the damage it caused.
Decisions about Buildings Damaged in the Earthquake
On Thursday October 7th, the Christchurch City Council made a decision about some of the worst affected buildings in the city. The most pressing concern was Manchester Courts which has been cordoned off since the earthquake. This seven story building is 104 years old and was the city’s first high-rise building. The council voted 10-2 to grant acting council chief executive, Peter Mitchell, powers to issue a demolition warrant.
The building is classed as being unstable and each aftershock has the potential to cause further damage to it. From the exterior the building has visible cracks and engineers say the structure has sustained severe damage. It is classed as being a danger to the public and will be demolished floor by floor.
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch in September 2010 has been followed by over 1500 aftershocks. These have caused much stress to residents and a 5.0 magnitude aftershock on the 13th October was reported as having the potential to cause further damage in the city. Decisions are now being made about which buildings to demolish and which ones to save.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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