Earthquake-induced transportation disruption and economic performance: The experience of Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

The 2010–2011 Christchurch (Canterbury) Earthquakes in New Zealand caused considerable harm, damage and disruption to the lives and livelihoods of residents. Our study examines the role earthquake-related failures in the transportation network played in post-earthquake economic performance, including during the immediate recovery phase. We use detailed (neighbourhood-level) spatial data on both transportation disruptions and economic activity, and how they have spatially and temporally varied across the city in the years prior to and following the earthquakes. We find that the impacts of transportation breakdowns on economic activity was observable and significant and has likely gone beyond areas that experienced direct damage due to the network nature of transport and the locational nature of business.