Christchurch Earthquake: New Zealand Marks Deadly Earthquake’s 11th Anniversary
New Zealand marks 11 years of the a deadly Christchurch earthquake that struck near the South Island city – killing 185 people, injuring thousands and leaving a trail of massive damage to property and infrastructure.
Christchurch Earthquake: Impact
On February 21, 2011, the 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck close to Christchurch city. Its shallow depth and proximity to the city centre resulted in widespread damage. The six-story office building collapsed and burst into flames after 20 seconds of the quake, claiming the highest number of casualties, including 65 international students.
Technically an aftershock of the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, the earthquake on February 21, 2011 was more destructive than its predecessor. It was mainly because the earthquake’s epicenter was only 6 miles from heavily-populated city of Christchurch. The number of fatalities confirmed was 185, but the authorities estimated number to surpass 200.
Total Economic Losses
Although the Insurance Information Institute lists insurance losses at $10 billion, other organizations estimated losses to insurers will eclipse $12 billion.
Buildings collapsed in and around the main portion of the city, including the iconic ChristChurch Cathedral, which lost its spire. Consequently, even two weeks after the earthquake, thousands of buildings were still deemed unsafe by authorities. In more rural areas, landslides were reported and large portions of small towns reported significant damage in their downtown areas.
Actionable Insights on EigenPrism
EigenPrism users can assess the impact of this historical Christchurch earthquake that hit New Zealand on February 21, 2011. Follow the quick link below to immediately overlay the event footprint on your exposure:
- M 6.1 – South Island of New Zealand as of February 21, 2011
