A report in the Lancet by Michael Ardagh et al. describes the initial health-system response to the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, in February 2011, with a focus on the Christchurch Hospital emergency department. While the response is assessed as effective, the report notes "Power was lost immediately. Within seconds, six diesel-fueled generators activated to provide power to electrical outlets designated as essential services. However, the severe shaking disturbed sump sludge within the diesel tanks. Consequently during subsequent hours, a generator failed several times, leaving the emergency department clinical areas, ICU, blood bank, radiology department, and other areas with no power." Under Lessons learned, the report states, "The back-up generator diesel tanks have since been drained and cleaned." http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60313-4/fu... (registration required) ------------------------------