Earthquake Hits Christchurch, New Zealand

Summary: 

• 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
• The quake was an aftershock of a previous 7.1 earthquake 5 months ago
• Although this quake is smaller, it has left more damage because it’s epicentre was downtown Christchurch, closer to buildings and residences
• Rescue volunteers, paramedics and fire fighters are working around the clock searching for survivors
• The current death toll is 65, but an estimated 100 more are buried alive
• Many buildings tumbled during the earthquake, including the city’s historical cathedral
• Survivors are seeking shelter in community centres and schools

Opinion:
  New Zealand is receiving immediate assistance from Australia and many other countries, including Canada, have offered their aid in any way they can help. The city will need assistance rebuilding and cleaning up their streets. Emergency services will be busy at work, cleaning up after this deadly earthquake.

  Earthquakes are a recurring event for Christchurch, New Zealand. In order to prepare for another earthquake in the future, the city could design buildings to withstand small to medium sized earthquakes. The city should create an action plan to prepare themselves if another quake hits. Shelters, aid and food should be available if another quake hits. 

  The earthquake cause devastation, as the infrastructure in Christchurch did not hold. The quake caused death and injury, which requires; rescue, medical attention, first aid and hospitalization. This issue is interrelated because it’s implications are widespread. The quake wrecked buildings, trapped people under the rubble and caused chaos in the streets of Christchurch. The people will need; shelter, food, water, medical support, volunteers to remove rubble from the streets and help to rebuild the infrastructure that crumbled in the earthquake.

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