Country
Countries A-Z
New Zealand
Aotearoa
Note: On February 22, 2011, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck New Zealand 10 kilometers southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city. Final police reports indicate that 181 people were killed in the wreckage, and most victims were residents of Christchurch. The February 22 earthquake struck just six months after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit the same region, resulting in substantial damage to Christchurch but no fatalities. These two natural disasters will have vast financial implications for the country as Christchurch was a major economic hub for New Zealand. Additionally, total reconstruction and recovery costs are estimated at $11 billion. In late March Prime Minister John KEY, in association with the government of Christchurch, created the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA). Over the next five ...