Sunday, 27 February 2011

Earthquake resistance buildings in New Zealand

28 Feb 2011 I am sure many of us who are planning to travel in New Zealand, are frightened now by the 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck on Christchurch in February 2011. We all feel sad and worried to see the number of death is increasing to over 100.

Look into the link below and under the "Majar Earthquakes", you can have the idea on the earthquake history in New Zealand, along with their fatalities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_earthquakes_in_New_Zealand


Below is another chart showing the risk of earthquake at different areas.
http://blog.teara.govt.nz/2011/02/24/wellington-christchurchs-earthquake-risk/


Some of you must be wondering if the buildings there are well designed and equiped to resist for the ground shaking. Some of you even started to blame the government for the earthquake in Christchurch which has taken more than 100 lives.

Well, I do believe many of the buildings are earthquake resistant, if not all. Otherwise, the number of death would have been even higher. To proof this, I did some research and below are some information I found.

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/earthquakes/4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_engineering

"City lifelines – water, sewerage and drains, gas, electricity, telecommunications and transport networks – are also threatened by earthquakes. Lifeline engineering aims at reducing both the damage and the time needed to restore services."

For those who have lost their lives, please rest in peace. For those who were injured, please be strong to get through the suffer and pain. For their family members, please take good care.

For those who have intention to visit New Zealand, take things as they come.

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