Category Archives: earthquake insurance

Key upbeat about quake recovery work

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1329812120 33 Key upbeat about quake recovery work

Prime Minister John Key says Cantabrians should not lose sight of the progress that has been made on the recovery of the city as it marks the anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake on Wednesday.

he said the day will be a time to reflect on what had been lost, but people should not give up hope about the recovery.

“The focus on Wednesday will be to reflect on that fateful day last February and to honour those who lost their lives, those who were injured and those heroes and heroines who selflessly went to the aid of their fellow human beings.

“My thoughts this week are with the friends and families of those who lost loved ones and indeed with all the people of Canterbury who have lived through so much.”

he said the date of February 22 2011 would go down as one of the darkest days in New Zealand history, on which 185 people lost their lives and many more were badly injured.

mr Key said there had been significant progress on the recovery effort.

The owners of nearly half of the 6800 homes in red zones had accepted the Government’s settlement offer to buy their homes.

“More than one third have already settled on their properties which has enabled them to move on and restart their lives.”

Construction was underway on 26 significant commercial buildings within the central city, which was hard hit by the earthquake.

Demolition was completed on about 80 per cent of the 1406 buildings tagged for demolition by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and Civil Defence.

about 200 infrastructure repair projects, valued at about $420 million were also underway.

he said thousands of damaged homes had been repaired or the work to do so was underway and the Cashel Mall ‘Restart the Heart’ shopping area was attracting people back to the central city.

“Long-term, Christchurch will look very different to what it did, but it will be vibrant, new and a great place to live.”

mr Key said discussions with insurance companies about reinsurance in Christchurch were still underway but the situation was not perfect and Cantabrians faced hefty premiums.

“The reports I get is that increasingly people are being able to access insurance through the normal markets. It’s just not perfect.”

he believed insurers were now more confident about offering new insurance despite initial concerns the aftershocks on December 23 would deter them.

mr Key will be in Christchurch to attend several memorial services during the week, including speaking at the Latimer Square service on Wednesday morning.

By Claire Trevett | Email Claire

Key upbeat about quake recovery work

General Assembly passes bill requiring insurance companies to notify homeowners of earthquake coverage

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1329614109 20 General Assembly passes bill requiring insurance companies to notify homeowners of earthquake coverage

The House of Delegates unanimously passed a bill Monday morning that requires insurance companies that exclude coverage for earthquake damage to provide written notice of that and notify property owners that the insurance may be available for additional cost.

The bill comes after a forceful earthquake in Louisa County in August left many home and business owners realizing for the first time that they would not be covered.

Owners are still trying to clean up after the 5.8-magnitude earthquake, which rocked the East Coast from Georgia to Ontario.

EQECAT, a California-based firm that helps insurance companies determine catastrophe risks, told The Post at the time that only 5 percent of East Coast property owners have earthquake coverage.

At the end of January, nearly 6,000 Virginia homeowners from nine localities had reported damage to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The Senate had passed its version earlier a vote of 32 to 6. The bills were introduced on behalf of Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), and will be sent to him for his signature.

General Assembly passes bill requiring insurance companies to notify homeowners of earthquake coverage

The State Worker: California Earthquake Authority will pay furlough back wages

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1329527707 18 The State Worker: California Earthquake Authority will pay furlough back wages

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The State Worker: California Earthquake Authority will pay furlough back wages

VP Biden greets Chinese counterpart Xi for official visit to Washington

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Obama aides said those issues would be on the table during Xi’s unusually long and high-level visit to the United States, but there was no sign of discord during a brief joint appearance between Obama and Xi following their first-ever meeting.

“We welcome China’s peaceful rise,” Obama said as the two men sat in the Oval Office. “We believe that a strong and prosperous China is one that can help to bring stability and prosperity to the region and to the world.”

Obama said he looks forward to future cooperation.

A smiling Xi told Obama he wants to build on the past relationship between Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao and “deepen the friendship” between the people of the two countries.

“I hope to engage with a broad cross-section of American society during my current visit so as to deepen mutual understanding, expand consensus, strengthen cooperation and deepen the friendship between the Chinese and American people,” Xi said, a reference to an itinerary that includes stops in Iowa and California.

Xi’s visit is being closely watched because he will likely lead China over the coming decade, but his remarks after meetings with Obama and Vice President Joe Biden did not deviate from customary diplomatic rhetoric.

Xi is slated to become China’s Communist Party leader in the fall, and president in 2013. his visit offers Washington its first hard look at the man who is destined to lead the world’s most populous nation in the coming decade, when the U.S. and China are likely to see their economic ties grow even as they are viewed increasingly as military rivals.

“We are not always going to see eye-to-eye. we are not always going to see things exactly the same, but we have very important economic and political concerns that warrant that we work together,” Biden said, before talks began in the Roosevelt Room.

Much of Xi’s visit will be in the company of Biden, who went to China as Xi’s guest in August.

Xi has impeccable Communist Party credentials as the son of a famed revolutionary, but is viewed as more able to make personal connections than Hu and more willing to step away from the traditional aloofness of Chinese high office.

While Xi’s trip is unlikely to herald any policy changes it may signal his leadership style.

In brief comments in response to Biden, a smiling Xi said it was his “great pleasure” to meet the vice president again, following his visit to China last August, and thanked him personally for his part in arranging the reciprocal visit.

Xi said he hoped his trip would build on the progress made by Obama and Hu during a state visit by China’s president a year ago, in building a “cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.” he said he looked forward to having “an in-depth and candid exchange of views.”

1329473714 14 VP Biden greets Chinese counterpart Xi for official visit to Washington

VP Biden greets Chinese counterpart Xi for official visit to Washington

Sounders soccer dream fading for some players in camp – Sounders FC – The Olympian – Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports

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1329279310 45 Sounders soccer dream fading for some players in camp Sounders FC The Olympian Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports

A second major round of cuts is being made this week. and while the youngest players seem most vulnerable, coach Sigi Schmid has said it’s time for second- and third-year players to produce or the newcomers will be given their turn.

That raises the stakes for players such as midfielder Mike Seamon and forward David Estrada. and they know it.

“That’s one thing I had a conversation with (assistant coach Brian Schmetzer about),” Estrada said. “I’ve been here for two years. I ended up the year strong, and I’m hoping to build on that and bring that consistency I showed at the end of … last year.”

Estrada was taken with the 11th pick in the 2010 SuperDraft after being a four-time all-conference player at UCLA. as a rookie, he appeared in three games with one start. Those numbers repeated in his second season.

Now, he hopes improvement and versatility will bring him a third chance to establish his pro career.

“To be able to be consistent at every position, that’s how I want to make the team,” he said. “(Roger Levesque) is able to play right mid, right back, up top, and score goals, too. That’s one of the guys I look up to.”

Seamon was taken with the 27th pick of the 2010 draft. as a rookie, he made eight MLS appearances with three starts. last season, he made no league appearances, but started all 10 Reserve League matches. his season ended Sept. 12 when he was placed on the disabled list with a lateral ankle-tendon injury.

As recent as the 2010 draft might seem, Seamon understands camp now includes two waves of even younger players pushing for jobs.

“I seem to be more of a veteran because a lot of the older guys have left,” Seamon said. “and some of the guys who came in are veterans, but not to this league. So I do have a little bit of knowledge in terms of the game here, and this should be a turning point in my career, hopefully.”

Schmid said he had an offseason discussion with Seamon, which seems to have been heeded.

“I told him you have to decide to be serious about this if you want to be a soccer player…,” Schmid said. “He’s committed himself physically. He’s lost weight, his body fat is way down, he came in fitter than he’s ever been. So from that standpoint, he’s made real strides, and I think his soccer follows that. … Speed is maybe not his greatest asset, but he’s got decent quickness. By being fitter now, he’s going to be able to show those abilities more often.”

The Sounders train today at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. The next day, the reduced roster leaves for Florida.

ADDED TIME

Jaguares de Chiapas of the Mexican Primera Division will provide the opposition for the Community Shield match Feb. 29 at CenturyLink Field. Admission is free, but donations for the club’s charity partners will be accepted at the gate. Gates will open an hour before the 7 p.m. kickoff, and seating is first come, first served through the lower east bowl. … The Sounders announced that about 14,000 tickets have been sold for their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal home match against Santos Laguna on March 7. … Single-game tickets for the MLS season go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday. … The home game against Real Salt Lake, originally set for July 18 at CenturyLink Field, has been rescheduled for Oct. 17. The club also announced its Sept. 8 home match against Chivas USA will start at 1 p.m.

Don Ruiz: 253-597-8808twitter/donruiztntblog.thenewstribune.com/soccer

Sounders soccer dream fading for some players in camp – Sounders FC – The Olympian – Olympia, Washington news, weather and sports

Churches now uninsured

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1329185710 99 Churches now uninsured

Timaru’s Presbyterian and Catholic churches are without earthquake insurance.

while the date looms for the demolition of Temuka’s Trinity Presbyterian Church, the dilemma continues for others.

the Catholic church has been told no earthquake coverage is available, while the Presbyterian church is hopeful of a solution.

Timaru Presbyterian Parish closed Chalmers Church and St Pauls in November after unease grew about worshippers’ safety during an earthquake. Although engineers have cleared Chalmers for use, the building is still considered earthquake-prone and will need strengthening.

the parish had been quoted $57,000 for full insurance cover this year, up from $20,000 in the past 12 months.

Ansvar, the company that insured the churches, cancelled its policies at the end of last month. It faces $700 million in claims from the Christchurch earthquakes and elected not to renew earthquake policies.

Timaru Presbyterian Parish clerk Ken Falconer said he understood all parishes throughout New Zealand were in a similar situation.

“The cost is quite prohibitive; we’ve got to look at the overall picture and make the right decision.”

Mr Falconer said Timaru’s four Presbyterian congregations would consult with each other over the next couple of months and hope for no more quakes.

Presbyterian insurance group secretary Douglas Langford confirmed most churches in New Zealand were not covered for earthquake damage. he was not sure which parishes could or couldn’t afford earthquake cover.

“We’re going through the process of which parishes want it.

“Those parishes that want the facility will have it.”

he said the bulk of churches would have earthquake cover within two months.

Catholic Diocese of Christchurch financial administrator Paddy Beban said the market was not prepared to give the church earthquake insurance.

“Our broker has been working with insurance companies; you can only take what the market is prepared to give.

“We’re not sitting on our hands.”

St Mary’s in Timaru sustained considerable damage during the quakes when one of the church tower pinnacles fell and movement was recorded on the east side of the building.

Restoration fund chairman Ray Bennett said the church would likely receive an earthquake assessment at the end of this month.

Anglican Church spokesman Lloyd Ashton confirmed all the parishes were covered for earthquake damage.

“Replacement earthquake cover was confirmed before the end of last year.”

meanwhile, Temuka’s Trinity Presbyterian Church will likely be demolished next month as contractors sort through the resource consent.

Trinity Presbyterian Church treasurer Colin Walker said the process would take about 20 days.

the church is holding services in a neighbouring hall.

– © Fairfax NZ News

Churches now uninsured

FairfaxTimes.com: Officials warn residents of potential earthquake chimney damage

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1329099309 15 FairfaxTimes.com: Officials warn residents of potential earthquake chimney damageadvertisement

Some northern Virginia homeowners might have suffered damage to their chimneys from the 5.9-magnitude earthquake in August and might not be aware of it,according to state and federal officials.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, masonry chimneys and fireplaces are especially vulnerable to earthquake damage, and many Virginia residents have experienced damage.

Jim Quarles, branch director of FEMA

255 more quake houses rezoned

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1329077709 81 255 more quake houses rezoned

the Government today rezoned another 255 orange zone homes in quake-ravaged eastern Christchurch.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee announced 42 properties would be given green stickers and the rest written off.

the 213 properties zoned red are in the suburbs of Avonside, Burwood, Dallington and Wainoni. Owners with insurance cover will be eligible for the Crown’s residential red zone offer.

more than 10,000 properties on flat land were zoned orange and the fate of all but 653 has been decided. About two-thirds are in Southshore.

“After what has been a long and anxious process for those waiting for decisions we’re now into the final stretch of rezoning properties in the residential orange zone,” said mr Brownlee.

“As I’ve stressed in recent months, the judgement calls being made on remaining properties are finer and more complex than previous decisions, which is why they haven’t been announced sooner.

“But most of the geotechnical and other expert works are now done, and I expect the 653 remaining orange zone properties to be rezoned in the coming weeks.”

mr Brownlee says some of the newly-zoned properties were previously on the boundary of green and red zones.

“Work has been specifically looking at these boundary areas over the past few months and the results show that when taking the level of engineering works needed into account, these properties should also be zoned red.

“There are some other small pockets of land where there is contention over the appropriateness of existing zoning; those areas will be reviewed and decisions made on whether changes are required only once the final zoning of all 653 remaining orange zoned properties is concluded.”

Land on the 42 Wainoni properties zoned green today can be repaired individually. these will come under the Department of Building and Housing’s Technical Category 3 guidelines.

the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera) will be sending letters and arranging a public meeting to further inform this group of residents on next steps in the coming weeks.

Cera will ensure there is face-to-face, individual contact with all owners of the 213 properties rezoned red.

There are also 2100 white zoned residential properties in the Port Hills which need rezoning.

mr Brownlee said: “These residents have not been forgotten, but the geotechnical assessment of their land differs markedly from that on the flat.

“Both Cera and the council are working together on a range of issues to assess the state of the ground and the life risks these property owners face, and to provide advice on options to mitigate that risk.

“As with all land zoning we’re working as fast as we can to make sound decisions which property owners can rely on to protect the value of their assets.”

255 more quake houses rezoned

Insurance ruling appeal not lodged

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1328789724 46 Insurance ruling appeal not lodged

no appeal has been lodged over a High Court decision which directed about $33 million of reinsurance money owed to failed Queenstown-based Western Pacific Insurance to Chistchurch earthquake lcaims and left other insurance claimants more than $24 million out of pocket.

Western Pacific was liquidated last April and by November was estimated to owe mainly insurance claimants $63.4 million.

Late last year the High Court allocated $33 million owed by Western’s overseas reinsurers for payment only to 183 Christchurch earthquake claimants, meaning $24.2 million remained outstanding to other claimants.

the shortfall included $13.55 million owed to Australian claimants, $2.01 million to Pacific and others and $1.24 million to new Zealand claimants, outside Christchurch.

the appeal deadline was last Friday, and when contacted yesterday liquidator Simon Thorn, of Grant Thornton, declined to comment on not having lodged an appeal, saying a report would need to be made available to claimants before comment to media.

Other sources close to the matter said liquidators Grant Thornton could possibly apply to the courts for “leave out of time” to seek an extension period and still lodge an appeal, but such an extension was rare.

Grant Thornton had outlined to creditors in a December report that they had to consider funding any appeal, because the liquidators had “limited funds”, there could be was no claim made on the reinsurance fund and legal costs were estimated at more than $75,000.

Insurance ruling appeal not lodged

Earthquake rattles region

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1328714115 85 Earthquake rattles region

SOME Manitobans may have been shaking in their sleep the other night — but not because of any nightmare.

In fact, a small earthquake rippled through Saskatchewan and western Manitoba just before 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with the temblor reportedly being felt in some parts of the province. “It’s significant, mostly because it’s in an unusual place,” said University of Manitoba seismologist Andrew Frederiksen. “It’s very unlikely to have done any damage.”

The quake originated in a spot five kilometres beneath the ground near Esterhazy, Sask. — or about 138 kilometres southwest of Dauphin — and hit 3.3 magnitude, according to data from the United States Geological Survey.

But no fear, Frederiksen stressed. the quake doesn’t point to any looming doomsday scenario here in the most geologically stable spot on the continent. “In Manitoba, we need flood insurance, not earthquake insurance,” he quipped.

In fact, there is some history of mild quakes near the Esterhazy area — as many as six small quakes have occurred there since 1990. Geologists believe the most likely cause is heavy potash mining in the area. “It doesn’t mean a collapse in the mine or anything that dramatic,” Frederiksen said.

“But the presence of mines does change loading conditions and could potentially lead to an earthquake.”

Another theory holds the quakes may be triggered when groundwater dissolves salt deposits beneath the Saskatchewan soil.

A brief history of earthquakes felt in Manitoba

YEP, it’s a brief history all right: according to National Resources Canada, Manitoba is the least likely province in the country to experience earthquakes. but we’ve felt a few tremors in our time from quakes originating elsewhere and sending shakes our way. Here are a couple of highlights:

1627-2010: A few scattered, minor quakes have struck Hudson Bay, on the northeastern tip of Manitoba, over the centuries. Experts note these are often a result of land that was compressed under glaciers springing back up over time.

1909: Newspapers at the time marvelled over what they believed was an “echo” from a large South American quake, which rattled doors and frightened residents throughout Winnipeg on the evening of may 16. It was the first time a quake had been known to strike the area. A recent review by the United States Geological Survey concluded the quake, estimated at 5.4 on the Richter scale, actually originated from the 300-kilometre Hinsdale fault line in Montana. It remains the largest historical earthquake known in North America’s Great Plains.

2008: on April 10, a quake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale shuffled its way through Manitoba and Saskatchewan. the source: the potash mine area near Esterhazy, Sask. It’s one of six small quakes originating from that area in the last 22 years.

Earthquake rattles region