Observations from the EERI Team
The SVA first organized after the September 2010 earthquake. Nearly 2,500 students and community members volunteered to help remove liquefaction after that event. Looking back, Sam realized that this was an important “dry run” for the massive spontaneous volunteer operation that he and a core group of other dedicated individuals would coordinate in February and […]
Observations from the EERI Team
Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7. Figure 8. Learning from Earthquakes: First person reports
Condolences to Christchurch
Growing up here in the 60-80s, I heard about the flood risk, but was unaware of the earthquake risk in Christchurch and certainly had no comprehension of liquefaction and lateral spread potential here. An analysis of earthquake risk and associated hazards in Christchurch was published in Risk and Realities in 1997. However, earthquake research and […]
Moratorium on Social Science Research
Enquiries were made about the activities of the social scientist traveling with EERI LFE. Following conversations with those concerned (David Johnstone (GNS) and Sarah Beaven (University of Canterbury)) the social science research statement was revised from recommending delaying social scientist visits to recognizing that social scientists are embedded in the EERI LFE team for the […]
Observations on Business Resilience from the EERI Reconnaissance Team
A staged and controlled re-entry process was set up to allow property and building owners to retrieve critical items (e.g. computers and business essentials) from safe (yellow and green placarded) buildings. On subsequent re-entries during the third week, owners were going into clean up. The owner of Switch Expresso shared that he and family members […]
Observations on Social Media from the EERI Team
Armed with a “digital pick axe” these international volunteers work selflessly to monitor social media, crowdsource data, and develop useful applications for on the ground responders. They coordinate virtually around the clock and interface with official responders to identify data sources that can be mapped, translated, spread sheeted, and made into useful and actionable intelligence. […]
Observations on Social Media and Christchurch Emergency Communication from the EERI Team
Thoughtful observers who also endured that harrowing event found that local community members were turning to online social networks to organize volunteer efforts, post critical information, and communicate about the aftermath of the earthquake. The quick study from a few public information officers working for the CCC served as the impetus for the social media […]
Observations on Sanitation from the EERI Team
There are differences in port-a-loos, I have learned. There is the deluxe version that can be found on the University Campus. These have flush systems, running water for hand washing and even a little mirror in the door. The next step down may be the regular port-a-loos that can be found on street corners throughout […]
Observations on Information Coordination from the EERI Team
On the flip side is the perspective of the local public, looking for information that will enable them to make decisions about protective actions such as evacuation and sheltering. Under the traditional media strategy, information flows slowly, sometimes only two or three times a day. People perceive this as an information dearth just as they […]
Calling on Social Scientists to Inform Recovery Decisions
David shared the questions that are being asked of social scientists. Relevant observations and lessons learned are invited from the international research community regarding: Internal migration is the biggest ever in New Zealand since the first settlers arrived. Who and why did residents leave Christchurch after the February 22nd earthquake? How many migrants will return? […]