June 2011 Christchurch earthquake

June 2011 Christchurch earthquake

Structural damage from the earthquake
class=notpageimage| 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[1]
Depth	7 km (4 mi)[1]
Epicentre	43°34′S 172°44′E / 43.57°S 172.74°E / -43.57; 172.74
Type	Strike-slip
Areas affected	New Zealand
Total damage	Building collapse, power outages, broken water pipes, soil liquefaction, rockfall
Max. intensity	MMI VIII (Severe)[2][3]
Peak acceleration	0.78 g [4]
Tsunami	No
Casualties	1 dead,[5] 46 injured (2 critically)[6]

The June 2011 Christchurch earthquake was a shallow magnitude 6.0 M_w 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),^[1] about 5 km (3 mi) south-east of Christchurch,^[7] which had previously been devastated by a magnitude 6.2 M_W earthquake in February 2011. The June quake was preceded by a magnitude 5.9 M_L 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 M_w and a depth of 9 km (5.6 mi).

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.