A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near Christchurch in New Zealand yesterday, causing cliffs to collapse into the sea, but no major damage to the city, which was devastated by a 2011 quake which killed about 200 people.
The epicenter of yesterday’s quake on New Zealand’s south island was 15km east of Christchurch and at a shallow depth of 15km, the country’s seismological body Geonet said.
Geonet said there were more than 40 aftershocks.
Photo: Reuters
The quake came eight days before the anniversary of the deadly 2011 quake that caused upwards of NZ$40 billion (US$26.52 billion) of damage, causing much of the city to require a rebuild.
Police said there were no reports of major damage or serious injuries, but people were evacuated from several buildings and there were reports of some liquefaction.
The Christchurch City Council said cliffs collapsed in several places along the surrounding coast, spreading large clouds of billowing dust across the sea and hills.
“Obviously with a 5.7 magnitude earthquake so close to the eastern coast of Christchurch its certainly been a big shock for the city, a setback in terms of people’s confidence and feeling of security,” Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said.
“Our city is stronger than it was five years ago. There are going to be a lot of people out there feeling very vulnerable,” she said.
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