Earthquake Report

Things changed after this report was written.
Report.  Sunday 5 September




At 4.35am on 4 September 2010 Christchurch, New Zealand was rocked by at 7.1 earthquake. It lasted for 30 seconds. The epicentre was at Darfield a small rural community 31 k west of Christchurch. There have been many after shocks the highest being 5.4.


The earthquake has caused widespread devastation particularly in the centre of Christchurch. There are over 90 buildings that have been severely damaged. A number of historic homes have been badly hit. A lot of people had the chimneys in their houses fall down creating other damage.


The centre of the city has been cordoned off and there has been a curfew put in place at night. Some people have had to go to welfare centres as they have not been able to stay in their homes because they have been destroyed. Some people do not have water or power. All the schools have been closed for at least 2 days.




This earthquake will cost millions of dollars. Homes and building will have to be rebuilt. Some will have to be demolished. Roading and sewerage and water will have to be repaired. It will take many months before we are back to anything like it was before this quake.