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Earthquake strikes Christchurch, New Zealand

22 February 2011

An earthquake of 6·3 magnitude struck Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island at 12:51 local time (23:51 GMT) yesterday.

Latest reports indicate that at least 65 people have been killed and many are still trapped under rubble as a result of buildings collapsing during the earthquake. Many of those killed are as a result of debris falling and crushing the occupants of two buses travelling in the city.

Dr Roger Musson, Head of Seismic Hazard at the British Geological Survey (BGS) said, "This earthquake produced exceptionally high ground shaking, more than the buildings were designed for and damage has been extensive. The death toll is expected to rise and will probably exceed 100."

This latest shock is much closer to the main population centre of Christchurch than the magnitude 7·0 earthquake that occurred on 3 September 2010, approximately 70 km west of the city, and caused significant damage.

Dr Brian Baptie, Head of Seismology at BGS said, "This Christchurch earthquake is the most recent of an almost continuous series of aftershocks extending east towards Christchurch since the Darfield earthquake in September."

BGS Seismologist Alice Walker said, "Over 60 earthquakes of this size and above occur somewhere in the world every year."

The British Geological Survey has posted more detailed information on its website.

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411727 or 411561
Mob: 07917 086369 or 557215

Aoife O'Mongain
BGS press office
Tel: 0131 6500230

Notes

The British Geological Survey is one of the Natural Environment Research Council's research centres.

Press release: 06/11