Understanding the wider social and economic context of post-earthquake cordons: A comparative case study between Christchurch, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and L’Aquila, Italy

Post-earthquake cordons have been used after seismic events around the world. However, there is limited understanding of and how contextual information such as geography, sociocultural characteristics, economy, institutional governance structures affects decisions operational procedures, including aspects related to spatial temporal attributes cordon establishment. This research aims fill gap in knowledge through a qualitative comparative case study two cities: Christchurch, New Zealand (M w 6.2 earthquake, February 2011) L’Aquila, Italy 6.3 2009). Both cities suffered comprehensive damage their city centers had established for extended periods time. Data collection was done purposive snowball sampling whereby 23 key informants were interviewed total. Research participants held expert roles responsibilities, that is, council members, emergency managers, politicians, business/insurance representatives, academics, police. Results illustrate primarily ensure safety people maintain security. The extent duration affected by recovery approaches taken respective cities, Christchurch demolition widely undertaken which supported allowed faster removal cordons. In contrast, authorities L’Aquila placed high value on heritage buildings led strategy based preserving restoring most cordon. Extended many similarities but evolve overtime. evolution site-specific needs; thus, should be understood planned realities.