On February 22, 2011, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island. The epicenter was located approximately six miles south-east of the center of Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city. The February quake had been preceded by a 7.1 magnitude quake in the same region six months prior in September 2010. A total of 184 were killed and extensive damage was done to the city and the surrounding region after the February 2011 quake making it the second deadliest earthquake to strike New Zealand. The Canterbury region suffered over 10,000 aftershocks from the September 2010 7.1 quake, including the February 2011 6.3 event; a magnitude 6.3 in June 2011; and a magnitude 6.0 in December 2011.

During a recent visit to the city, Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Margareta Wahlström, said, “Over 300 million people live in urban seismic zones around the world which are just as high risk as Christchurch but without the advantage of New Zealand’s very high rate of insurance coverage of about 90% which includes earthquake insurance and, uniquely also covers land damage.” She went on, “The recovery program now underway in Christchurch has some innovative aspects in particular the decision to reduce exposure to future earthquake damage by re-locating people form the ‘Red Zone’ and offering attractive incentives in terms of house and land purchase.”

The UNISDR website quoted the CEO of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), Roger Sutton, who accompanied Ms. Wahlström during her visit, as saying that “it’s going to take three to five years to demolish the ruins and create new public areas in the center and to provide most people with new places to live.” The aim of the CERA team is to build “a resilient city, with a strengthened economy.” Interestingly, as part of the rebuilding process, the CERA, in conjunction with the city’s mayor and City Council, invited people to express their views with the idea that this would help “provide the parameters of a detailed reconstruction plan.”

For her part Ms. Wahlström said, “There is no doubt that Christchurch will emerge as an even more interesting and attractive city for its population and the many tourists who visit every year. New Zealand is well prepared and equipped to address the reconstruction challenges. Christchurch has the potential to become a resilient city that will live up to the expectations of its inhabitants.”