Major Earthquake - Christchurch, NZ

[BrianAlt]

Originally Posted by picard102

People live there why?

The recent activity was not seen since 1922. There were 4 large quakes in the city's first 80 years. Buildings were built with code that took earthquake possibilities into account. But it was still a surprise.

Here is a link to a paper from what looks to be around 1990: EQC - 2205

At that time an event with, "significant property damage, loss of life possible," was expected within the next 55 years. An event with, "extensive property damage, some loss of life," was expected within the next 300 years. Finally, an event with, "catastrophic property damage, major loss of life," was expected, "in excess of 6,000 years." It was a surprise.

New York City is also built near a fault line. New York City Earthquakes “The odds are that it won’t happen in our lifetime,” says Tom Giordano, a planner in the preparedness unit of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. “But we still need to do things to prepare for it.”

That's what New Zealanders thought also.

In 1994 researchers warned that Southern Ontario could experience a significant earthquake. Researchers warn of earthquake | News, Media, and Events | University of Waterloo Why are you living there?

[satansprincess]

Originally Posted by picard102

People live there why?

Also - MOST of New Zealand is built on faultlines. Like California, we have hundreds of small quakes a month, over most of the country. My city, Wellington, is built on the worst faultline in NZ.

Canterbury doesn't have any of the signs of quake damage from the past. It is expansive, flat plain - and any possible techtonic movement was actually suspected on another fault line. The one that moved on 4/9 was actually one that no one knew was active until the quake.

It's not a matter of being able to just up and move out of the city. This is probably going to be the most expensive natural disaster . We're still recovering after the last quake, and I really don't know how we're going to fund this.

I feel stupid talking about money when I'm missing 7 family/friends, but it stops the total and utter dispair. New Zealand is a very small country. Everyone knows someone affected by the quake.

So far, the official death toll is still 75, but we all suspect it will climb and climb as they start going into more buildings in the CBD.

[DaHonay]

I don't think it's silly to feel that way SP (about talking about money when you still have family missing). I've been fortunate to never have been in a major disaster of any sort, but I can imagine that kind of thinking... keeping yourself busy... doing and thinking whatever you can, is helping you through this right now. I can't even imagine.

My heart and thoughts go out to you all. It's so strange, interesting, and awesome to care about people half way around the world that you've never met before... but are connected to through something like KATG. <3

[Cart Horse]

So Bebe is OK?

[satansprincess]

Originally Posted by Cart Horse

So Bebe is OK?

Yup, she and her family are okay. Well, as okay as you can be in situations like this.

[NZHippo]

As much as these disasters can bring out the best in people it also seems to dredge up the lowest form of human shit aswell.

Thieves target home of woman missing in earthquake - National - NZ Herald News
The missing woman in the article is now confirmed dead.

Christchurch quake scam masquerades as Red Cross - National - NZ Herald News

This sort of thing makes me crave murder more than any violent video game or Marilyn Manson song ever has.

[Cart Horse]

Originally Posted by satansprincess

Yup, she and her family are okay. Well, as okay as you can be in situations like this.

fantastic

[Bebe]

Originally Posted by Cart Horse

So Bebe is OK?

Yup, I'm ok. I was at work in the city, our building partially collapsed but everyone got out safely. We were lucky.

Picard, why do I live there? It's my hometown. My job is here, my children, my grandchildren, extended family, friends, my home. Where else are 400,000 people going to go? We have no choice but to sit tight and hold on for the ride.

I got married this week and have left the city for a bit of a respite. I have to go back tomorrow tho, my dad had a heart attack last weekend and had to have surgery. He's staying at my house (his suburb has been evacuated). My Meaglee is a trooper, she is looking after him til we get back

For those interested, you can check out the action over at my blogsite: bebetoocool.wordpress.com

[campy]

Thanks for the update Bebe, Congratulations on your marriage!! I'm going to check out your blog

:-)