June 2011 Christchurch earthquake
The June 2011 Christchurch earthquake was a shallow magnitude 6.0 Mw earthquake that occurred on 13 June 2011 at 14:20 NZST (02:20 UTC). It was centred at a depth of 7 km (4.3 mi), about 5 km (3 mi) south-east of Christchurch, which had previously been devastated by a magnitude 6.2 MW earthquake in February 2011. The June quake was preceded by a magnitude 5.9 ML tremor that struck the region at a slightly deeper 8.9 km (5.5 mi). The United States Geological Survey reported a magnitude of 6.0 Mw and a depth of 9 km (5.6 mi).
Structural damage from the earthquake | |
Map showing the epicentre of the earthquake | |
| UTC time | 2011-06-13 02:20:50 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 16591901 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 13 June 2011 |
| Local time | 14:20 |
| Magnitude | 6.0 Mw |
| Depth | 7 km (4 mi) |
| Epicentre | 43.57°S 172.74°E |
| Type | Strike-slip |
| Areas affected | New Zealand |
| Total damage | Building collapse, power outages, broken water pipes, soil liquefaction, rockfall |
| Max. intensity | MMI VIII (Severe) |
| Peak acceleration | 0.78 g |
| Tsunami | No |
| Casualties | 1 dead, 46 injured (2 critically) |
The earthquake produced severe shaking, registering at VIII (Severe) on the Mercalli scale in and around Christchurch. It destroyed several structures and caused additional damage to many others which had been affected by previous earthquakes. The damaged tower of the historic Lyttelton Timeball Station collapsed before dismantling work could be completed. The earthquake downed phone lines and cut off power to 54,000 households. Restoration costs in Christchurch following the February earthquake were estimated to increase by NZ$6 billion (US$4.8 billion) because of the additional damage from this event. Forty-six people suffered injuries, two of which critical, and one elderly man died after being knocked unconscious.