What damage did liquefaction cause in Christchurch 2011?

Widespread liquefaction in the suburbs of Christchurch, as well as rock falls and slope/cliff instabilities in the Port Hills affected tens of thousands of residential buildings and properties, and shattered the lifelines and infrastructure over approximately one third of the city area.

What damage did the 2010 Christchurch earthquake cause?

The earthquake on 4 September caused widespread damage and several power outages, particularly in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand’s second largest city at that time. Two residents were seriously injured, one by a collapsing chimney and a second by flying glass.

How was the 2011 Christchurch earthquake caused?

The earthquake was caused by the rupture of a 15-kilometre-long fault along the southern edge of the city, from Cashmere to the Avon–Heathcote estuary. The fault slopes southward beneath the Port Hills and did not break the surface – scientists used instrument measurements to determine its location and movement.

What was the economic impact of the Christchurch earthquake 2011?

Economic costs Damage estimates have increased from $15 billion in the 2011 budget to $20 billion and possibly up to $30 billion if ‘business disruption or additional costs from inflation, insurance administration or rebuilding to higher standards than before the earthquake’ are included.

How many aftershocks are there in Christchurch since 2011?

Aftershocks. The earthquake generated a significant series of its own aftershocks. More than 361 aftershocks occurred in the first week following the 6.3-magnitude earthquake. The largest was a 5.9-magnitude tremor which occurred just under two hours after the main earthquake.

What is Earthquake liquefaction?

Liquefaction takes place when loosely packed, water-logged sediments at or near the ground surface lose their strength in response to strong ground shaking. Liquefaction occurring beneath buildings and other structures can cause major damage during earthquakes.

How long did the Christchurch earthquake last 2011?

two months
While the initial quake only lasted for approximately 10 seconds, the damage was severe because of the location and shallowness of the earthquake’s focus in relation to Christchurch as well as previous quake damage…

What were the social impacts of the Christchurch earthquake?

Social and economic 181 people were killed. Damaged sewage pipes contaminated water supplies which increased risk of disease. Businesses were closed for a long time. Christchurch could not host five Rugby World Cup matches.

Why was the 2011 earthquake so destructive?

Although nearly all of the deaths and much of the destruction was caused by the tsunami waves along Japan’s Pacific coastline, the earthquake was responsible for considerable damage over a wide area.

What is the biggest earthquake ever recorded in New Zealand?

magnitude 8.2 Wairarapa earthquake
Historically, New Zealand has experienced many large earthquakes. The biggest NZ earthquake – magnitude 8.2 Wairarapa earthquake in 1855. On an international scale, the 1855 earthquake is of major significance in terms of the area affected and the amount of fault movement.

How long did the 2011 Christchurch earthquake last?

Where was the focus of the Christchurch Earthquake 2011?

At 12.51 p.m. on Tuesday 22 February 2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake caused severe damage in Christchurch and Lyttelton, killing 185 people and injuring several thousand. The earthquake’s epicentre was near Lyttelton, just 10 km south-east of Christchurch’s central business district.