American Geographical Society Library

Christchurch earthquake, 10 years ago

Posted on February 22, 2021 Updated on February 16, 2022

On 22 February 2011, a fatal earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand. One-hundred and eighty-five people were killed and the city’s CBD was destroyed. The 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit during the lunch hour and its epicenter was just 6km south of the city. Christchurch’s central city and eastern suburbs were badly affected, with damage to buildings and infrastructure already weakened by the magnitude 7.1 that had occurred less than a year earlier.

“Two story buildings in the CBD were flattened and masonry in older parts of the city crumbled onto the streets.  The steeple and bell tower of Christ Church Cathedral collapsed into the square, and its whole front face and beautiful rose window – the spiritual and symbolic face of Christchurch itself – teetered, and would later collapse onto the entrance portico, opening the nave to wind and weather, and the pigeons of Cathedral Square. [Australian Geographic].”

The earthquake destroyed the Christchurch Cathedral’s spire and severely damaged the structure as a whole. The Anglican Church voted to demolish the building but various groups came together to save the building.

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About 10,000 houses were demolished in the suburbs. The earthquake caused soil liquefaction and rockslides in and around Christchurch, leaving many areas infeasible for rebuilding. Efforts continue in Australia to earthquake proof buildings.

 

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