Our friends across the ditch in New Zealand have been having a rough time since the earthquake on the weekend.
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit region of Canterbury at 4:36 am on September 4, the epicentre was 40 km west of Christchurch city, and the depth of the quake was 10 km. The epicentre was close to the town of Darfield.
It was fortunate the earthquake occurred when the central city streets were deserted, as there could have been many deaths and injuries if it had happened during working hours.
Many buildings and homes were destroyed and most of the region has been without power and water for some time. Cantabrians have been living in fear since the quake as the region has been rocked by over 150 aftershocks reaching up to 5.4 on the ricter scale.
A State of Emergency has been declared and will continue for the following days.
Although Australia is not on the edge of a plate, we still experience earthquakes when the Indo-Australian plate is pushed north and collides with the Eurasian, Philippine and Pacific plates.
One of the most devastating earthquakes in Australia was the one that hit Newcastle on 28 December 1989. It measured 5.6 on the Richter scale, and its effects were felt throughout central-eastern New South Wales.
There are on average 200 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or more in Australia each year. Earthquakes with magnitude 5.5, such as that in Newcastle in 1989, occur on average every two years. About every five years there is a potentially disastrous earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or more.
How do you survive?
New Zealand and Australia schools, institutions, and businesses have been taught the “Drop, Cover, Hold“ technique but another technique that is widely talked about these days is the “Triangle of Life“ technique. Where rather than taking cover under a solid object you instead curl into a fetal position next to a solid object, with the theory that the object will create a safe triangular zone next to it when objects fall from above.
Based on your hospital protocols – what seems more logical to you?
Some general survival tips for the home and workplace are:
- Brace tall, free-standing bookshelves and water heaters to stop them falling over.
- When furnishing your home keep chairs, lounges or beds clear of hanging items such as ceiling fans, hanging pictures or mirrors and hanging plants.
- Store breakables and heavy items on bottom shelves.
- Secure suspended cupboard doors with heavy latches.
- Hazardous materials should be kept in waterproof containers and stored in a secure cupboard to prevent leakage.
- Keep a battery powered radio and torch by your bed.
- Talk to your family about the safest areas for you to shelter during earthquakes.
- Keep a list of emergency numbers readily available, such as police, State Emergency Service, fire, ambulance, and gas, power and water supplies.
- Maintain a store of at least three days worth of emergency non-perishable foods and water supply.
Do you have any friends or family in Christchurch affected by the quake? if so, let us know their experiences.
What are your Earthquake experiences in Australia?
If you want to see more of the devestation check out this community gallery shared by the citizens of Christchurch.
Image credit: GeoffTrotter; 2UE; EarthquakeCountry.
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