Attachments
This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation. The New Zealand Red Cross will, however, accept direct assistance to provide support to the affected population.
The situation
On 14 November 2016 a 7.5 magnitude earthquake with a depth of 15km struck New Zealand shortly after midnight at 12.02am New Zealand time, not far from Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury in the South Island. Strong shaking was felt throughout New Zealand and lasted for over two minutes in some locations. At least 50 people have been injured, and two fatalities have been reported to date. Damage reports and needs are emerging.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) issued a tsunami warning (marine and land threat) from East Cape to Southland, including Wellington (which also includes the Cook Straight area), Marlborough Sounds/Tasman Bay and the Chatham Islands, and a marine threat for all other New Zealand coastal areas.
Large scale coastal evacuations have taken place. The major earthquake triggered a tsunami, with wave heights of 1-2m recorded at Kaikoura. All tsunami warnings were lifted at 15.00pm NZ time. Large scale earthquake damage has been found in the Canterbury region, particularly in Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs. Marlborough region impacts are focused on Blenheim, particularly Ward and Seddon. Significant building damage has been reported also in Wellington’s central business district.
Hundreds of major aftershocks are continuing, the largest being 6.2. Aftershocks are expected to occur over the next few months. The earthquakes triggered very large landslides to the north and south of Kaikoura. The situation is being compounded by a spell of bad weather which may affect response operations. Some roads are inundated by flood waters and as a result people who were evacuated are still unable to return to their homes. At least 1,000 tourists and hundreds of residents are stranded in the coastal town of Kaikoura.