Attachments
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- On February 22 at 1251 hours local time, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck 6.2 miles southeast of Christchurch-New Zealand's second largest urban area with a population of approximately 390,000-at a depth of 3.1 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Numerous strong aftershocks continue.
- As of February 25, the earthquake had resulted in 123 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to the Government of New Zealand (GoNZ) Ministry of Civil Defense and Emergency Management. The earthquake caused extensive damage to Christchurch city center, trapping an unverified number of people, particularly in Christchurch Cathedral, the Pyne Gould Guinness building, and the Canterbury Television building.
- On February 22, U.S Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner declared a disaster due to the effects of the earthquake. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Wellington to the New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) for emergency shelter. In response to the GoNZ's request for U.S. urban search and rescue (USAR) support, USAID deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (USAID/DART), including a 74-person USAR team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, to support search and rescue efforts. USAID also activated a Washington, D.C.-based Response Management Team to support the USAID/DART and coordinate the U.S. Government humanitarian response to the earthquake.
- The U.S. USAR team remains engaged in search and rescue, assessing damaged buildings, providing recommendations on the permissible level of activity in affected areas, and confirming the status of potentially trapped individuals. The U.S. USAR team employs specialized detection and rescue equipment, enabling 24-hour operations.
- On February 25, the USAID/DART conducted rapid surveys in and around Christchurch and reported that while historic structures in Christchurch city center sustained considerable damage, newer buildings in suburban areas likely constructed using more earthquake-resistant techniques remain largely intact.
- As of February 25, the GoNZ had not requested additional international assistance.