Earthquake in new zealand 2016 and reactions
On November 14, 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Kaikoura, New Zealand, causing widespread damage and triggering a tsunami warning. Here are some reactions to the earthquake:
Initial Response
- The earthquake struck at 11:02 pm local time, causing widespread panic and chaos.
- Emergency services, including police, fire, and ambulance, responded quickly to the disaster.
- The New Zealand Defence Force was deployed to assist with evacuations and search and rescue operations.
Government Response
- Prime Minister John Key declared a state of emergency and activated the National Crisis Management Centre.
- The government set up a joint agency response centre to coordinate the response effort.
- Key and other government officials visited affected areas to assess the damage and provide support to affected communities.
International Response
- The international community offered support and assistance to New Zealand, including offers of aid and personnel from countries such as Australia, the United States, and Japan.
- The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) also offered support.
Public Reactions
- Many people in the affected areas were left without power, water, or communication services.
- Residents and tourists alike were evacuated from coastal areas due to the tsunami warning.
- Social media was flooded with messages of support and concern for those affected by the earthquake.
- The earthquake also sparked a sense of community and resilience, with many people coming together to support each other and rebuild.
Economic Impact
- The earthquake caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.
- The economic impact of the earthquake was estimated to be around NZD 4 billion (approximately USD 2.7 billion).
- The earthquake also disrupted trade and commerce, particularly in the agricultural and tourism sectors.
Environmental Impact
- The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, which caused widespread flooding and damage to coastal areas.
- The earthquake also caused significant landslides and rockfalls, which blocked rivers and damaged infrastructure.
- The earthquake also had a significant impact on the environment, including the destruction of habitats and the displacement of wildlife.
Long-term Recovery
- The recovery effort was led by the New Zealand government, with support from local authorities, emergency services, and the international community.
- The recovery effort focused on repairing and rebuilding infrastructure, as well as providing support to affected communities.
- The earthquake also led to a review of New Zealand's earthquake preparedness and response, with a focus on improving the country's resilience to natural disasters.
Overall, the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake was a significant event that caused widespread damage and disruption to New Zealand. However, the country's emergency services, government, and people responded quickly and effectively to the disaster, and the recovery effort is ongoing.