< Back to case study catalogue

Christchurch Earthquake

  • 2011
  • Earthquake
  • New Zealand
Illustrative image representing undefinedImage for illustrative purposes only
Country Characteristics
Population (event year)4,384,000
Economy Type (2018 Value)Service-Oriented
Income Group (event year)High
GDP Growth0.01
GDP per Capita38,426.6
GNI per Capita32,569
Inequality-Adjusted HDI0.846
GINI Coefficient33
Proportion of Insured Loss (%)80.00%
Disaster Load
Damage Severity40-60%
Economic Loss ($ 2019)15,000,000
Fatalities181
Displaced70,000
Affected Population348,435
Proportion of Population Affected (%)7.948
Recovery Financing
Source of FinanceMostly external
Governmental Aid ($ 000s)11400000
Non-Governmental Aid($ 000s)
Total Insured Loss ($ 000s)6
Proportion of Insured Loss (%)Very High
Delivery Speed of Finance<12 Months
Adequacy of FinanceSufficient
Role of Insurance in Funding RecoveryMajor
Confidence in AssessmentHigh
Disaster Profile
CountryNew Zealand
ISONZL
Disaster TypeEarthquake
Disaster SubtypeEarthquake
FamilyGeophysical
Year2011
Date2011-02-22
MagnitudeSevere damage
LocusChristchurch
ScaleRegional
Disaster Risk Management
Disaster Management AuthoritySpecially-formed agency
Level of PreparednessWell prepared
Public ParticipationAdequate
Science-Based Decision MakingEstablished scientific basis
Efficacy of Decision MakingMediocre
Experience of DisastersInfrequent
Recovery Outcomes
Economic Recovery Speed3-5 Years
Economic Recovery QualitySame
Economy Confidence in AssessmentHigh
Society Recovery Speed3-5 Years
Amenity Recovery QualitySame
Safety Recovery QualityImproved
Society Recovery Quality3.5
Society Confidence in AssessmentHigh
Insurance Contribution to OutcomeCrucial