Story: Search and rescue

Urban search and rescue

People in emergency uniforms gathered on the remains of a crushed building.

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) faced a massive challenge in the aftermath of the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. One hundred and fifty NZUSAR staff from around the country searched buildings, cut through rubble, rescued people, and recovered bodies. Prominent after the emergency were the tags painted on damaged buildings, cars, and piles of rubble, so that search and rescue teams did not search these sites twice.

This photograph was taken on 22 February 2011 as emergency personnel, including members of USAR and the Fire Service, searched the pancaked Pyne Gould Corporation building, which had collapsed within minutes of the earthquake. Eighteen people died in this building.

Using this item

CEISMIC Canterbury Earthquake Digital Archive
Reference: 135254
by Neil Macbeth

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick and Dan Clearwater, 'Search and rescue - New Zealand search and rescue organisations', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/47837/urban-search-and-rescue (accessed 29 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick and Dan Clearwater, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 27 Jul 2023 with assistance from Dan Clearwater