NEW ZEALAND: Universities closed by earthquake

Two of New Zealand's universities have been closed by the earthquake that caused deaths and serious damage in the city of Christchurch this week. Both institutions, the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University, got off relatively lightly in the 6.3 magnitude quake that struck the city just before 13h00 on Tuesday local time.

They reported no serious injuries to staff or students on campus and only minor damage to buildings, although full engineering inspections were yet to take place.

But in the central city, several buildings collapsed and the death toll is expected to reach several hundred.

The earthquake followed a larger quake (7.1 on the Richter scale) in September last year, which caused minor damage and no deaths.

That quake closed the universities for a week, and at Canterbury the library was shut for months while shelves were repaired and half a million books placed back on shelves.

That work was almost complete when last week's event struck.

Although smaller than the previous quake, Tuesday's event was shallower and centred closer to Christchurch city, resulting in more damage.

But Canterbury's Vice-chancellor, Rod Carr, said the university's library, and other parts of the campus, stood up better this time round. He said there was less broken glass and fewer books thrown from shelves.

However, the university remains closed until further notice.

The general manager of three of the university's halls of residence, Darel Hall, said many of the 1,550 students in those hostels have returned home.

But Hall said those who remain are keen to help with the recovery effort. That is likely to see them helping move earth liquefied by the quake in the city's suburbs.

Lincoln University was also closed last week, but was scheduled to reopen on Monday 28 February.

Vice-chancellor Roger Field said the closure was because of the regional impact of the earthquake rather than any direct impact on the university, which is located about 20 kilometres from Christchurch.

The academic year is just beginning for New Zealand's universities, but staff and students have been on campus for enrolment and orientation.

Other educational institutions have also been affected by the earthquake.

Worst hit was an English language school, Kings Education, which is located on the third floor of a central city building that collapsed in the quake.

Although some people were rescued from the building, there were grave fears for those who remained unaccounted for, including some of the school's students.

The Ministry of Education ordered all schools and early childhood centres in the city and surrounding districts to close until further notice.

But it appeared most schools escaped serious damage to their buildings. None reported serious injuries to staff or pupils and principals said the most common issue was liquefaction of the soil on school grounds.

* Malaysia's official news agency Bernama reported that all 390 Malaysian students in Christchurch were reported to be safe following the earthquake. The students are enrolled at Canterbury, Otago and Lincoln universities.

john.gerritsen@uw-news.com