Earthquake update for Heathcote area

Geotechnical engineers have completed rock mapping above Bridal Path Road and Hammerton Lane and are providing a scope of work and cost estimates to CCC this week for remedial works for both areas.

The timeframe for undertaking the work has still not been finalised, but it is hoped that it will start within the next few weeks.  It is still likely that residents whose homes have been red placarded for geotechnical reasons will not be able to return to their homes for at least another two and a half months while these works and subsequent geotechnical reassessments are done.

Geotechnical engineers from Opus are beginning to map dangerous rocks in Morgans Valley/Horotane Valley areas.  A solution to the rockfall risk for Morgans Valley will be several months away.  It is likely that residents whose homes have been red placarded for geotechnical reasons will not be able to return to them for at least six months while remedial works are designed and implemented. 

The nature of the rockfall risk in Morgans Valley means that the work is technically more difficult to carry out compared to other areas such as Avoca Valley and Bridle Path Road, where work is already being undertaken, and will therefore take longer than these areas.  We will provide more information as we are able, but until the mapping is completed we are unable to give further time frames.

Some information on crack sealing that can be undertaken by residents is being developed by geotechnical engineers working for Civil Defence/Christchurch City Council and should be available on the www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz website soon.

Updated landslide and rock fall factsheet

Please read our updated landslide and rockfall factsheet to be found on our website at www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz/science/ under "Factsheets". The factsheet contains important information for hill suburb residents including information about EQC land damage assessments, which will start shortly.

Letters for insurance purposes

If you require a letter from Christchurch City Council or Civil Defence because your house has been red placarded for geotechnical reasons please contact us at . We can send a letter to your home address or an alternative postal address, for you to give to your insurance company.

Security

We have not placed landslide and rock fall information for specific areas on the www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz <http://www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz/>  website, or in media advisories, in the interests of security and your privacy.

A list of areas with vacant houses due to landslide or rock fall risk has been provided to the Police so they can include them in their reassurance patrols around the city. However, if you do see suspicious activity please contact the Police on 111 - they will respond.

Spreading the word

Please share this information with neighbours who may also be affected with geotechnical issues, particularly if they do not have access to email. If you know of people that would also like to receive these emails please ask them to email with their name and preferred email address.