Hard Choices In Christchurch
The ABC reports that Parts of quake-hit Christchurch to be abandoned
New Zealand’s prime minister says parts of Christchurch were so badly damaged in last month’s deadly earthquake that areas of the city will have to be abandoned.
John Key says 10,000 homes face demolition after the 6.3-magnitude tremor which is believed to have claimed more than 200 lives.
But he warns that rebuilding will not be possible in some areas.
“We simply don’t know,” he told Radio New Zealand when asked which parts of the city would be deserted.
“We know there’s been substantial liquefaction damage. It’s a statement of fact that there will be some properties that can’t be rebuilt.
I mentioned the liquefaction before. It turns the soil into quicksand, and there is no way known of putting a stable foundation on it. They are going to have to determine where the problem exists, and prohibit rebuilding on it.
