HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

September 7, 2010. Earthquake strikes New Zealand, thousands of homes damaged

SOURCE: Altegrity Risk International

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck New Zealand's Christchurch on September 4th, damaging some 106,000 homes and other buildings but causing no casualties, reports indicated on September 6th. More than a dozen aftershocks followed the earthquake, with two measuring 5.4, further weakening already damaged buildings. Officials issued a state of emergency, which was later extended until September 8th, and cordoned off city center. Some historic buildings were seriously damaged and would have to be pulled down. Officials managed to restore electricity to most of the city by September 6th and all major rail and road links had reopened. Some 300 people were left homeless by the earthquake and sought shelter in welfare centers. Local residents have been advised to boil water as damaged sewage pipes may have contaminated ground water.