Canterbury Earthquakes
Significant quakes and aftershocks occurring September 2010 to December 2011
E Spencer
The 22 February earthquake of 2011 is often highlighted as the most devastating of Canterbury's quakes, damaging many buildings and resulting in significant loss of life. However, the February earthquake was one of over 7,000 aftershocks that followed the September 4 earthquake in 2010. This timeline covers some of the more notable and impactful aftershocks occurring in and around the Christchurch City Centre. On this page, you will find events told through news stories, images, and infographics, looking back on one of the most impactful periods in Canterbury's modern history.
Credit: Steven Taylor. Source: https://quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz/store/object/72161
4 September 2010
Darfield epicentre 7.1 magnitude quake
- The Star 4 September 2010 | Earthquake Fundraising Edition - Proceeds from this special publication were sent to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal. This edition, published on 9 September, featured a message from the mayor expressing gratitude that there were no casualties (page 2). Additionally, this issue reflects on the week that followed the 4 September earthquake. Images and stories from the Christchurch City Centre and surrounding areas are also presented throughout this issue.
- Christchurch Press 6 September 2010 | Special Earthquake Edition
- A16 | "3 quakes unleash '67 nuclear bombs'." - This article equates energy emitted from the earthquake to the power of 67 nuclear bombs felt throughout Christchurch. Further down the page, significant liquefaction is blamed for much of the damage seen in the western half of Christchurch, as most of the area is described as being built on "stoney, gravelly, soils".
- A19 | "Canterbury has a history of shaking." - The 150-year history of Canterbury earthquakes include one in 1888 responsible for toppling the roof on the Christ Church Cathedral. Described as 'seismically a volatile part of the country', this article offers that a recalibration might be needed on how future quakes are assessed as scientists describe being caught off guard by the scale of the 4 September event. It goes on to explain that University of Canterbury geologists will be looking closely at the long existing faults beneath the Canterbury Plains.
- Christchurch Press Saturday & Sunday, 11-12 September 2010 | Mainlander: "A Moment in Time." - This weekend edition of The Press Section C spans 24 pages, beginning with an update from the Christchurch city Council on page 2, followed by articles on earthquake responses, reflections from local residents recounting the day, impacts on already struggling businesses, and how modern news dissemination specifically as it related to the earthquakes occurred worldwide via twitter, blogs, and text exchange (page 3). A public announcement from the University of Canterbury appears on page 11 stating that campus will reopen on Wednesday 15 September for all students.
- Christchurch Press 16 September 2010 | "Arts Centre repair bill in millions." - Built in 1877, the Christchurch Arts Centre has experienced significant damage from the 4 September quake, including six fallen chimneys and damage to the roof. Subsequent articles also in Section A of this issue, discuss post-quake considerations, such as how chimney losses across the city may lead to cleaner air (page 3), the resulting insurance dilemmas for home buyers (page 4), and impacts to the restaurant industry (page 7).
Boxing Day 2010
4.9 magnitude aftershock
- Christchurch Press 27 December 2010: Section A, Page 1 | "Oh no! Not again." - The most significant shakes in a month, occurred at 10.30am. Key take aways from the front page article are that there were no reported injuries, many of the shocks felt were centred in Christchurch’s central business district, and there was apparently no damage reported in suburbs previously hit by the 4 September earthquake.
- A3 shows infographics detailing a number of aftershocks occurring throughout the day, its magnitudes, and damaged buildings in the Christchurch CBD. Quotes from people in the city during the quake comment on the anxiety setting in from ongoing quakes/aftershocks. One quote expressed, "We thought it was quietening down, but when it started last night it was ‘Oh, here we go again’ and it was pretty spooky for people.’’
- Christchurch Press 28 December 2010: Section A, Page 1 | "Boxing Day shake more violent than first quake." "Shops vow to bounce back." - This edition reveals additional stories recounting shops have vowed to bounce back for the upcoming holiday. Residents are quoted fervently advocating on behalf of the continued vibrancy of the city, despite months of disruption. Quotes go on to reveal encouragement among the local community following multiple quake events and their determination to continue supporting local businesses.
February 22, 2011
Christchurch epicentre 6.3 magnitude aftershock
- The Star 22 February 2011 | Earthquake Fundraising Edition - Proceeds from this special edition supported the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Included inside is a message from the Mayor and the Dean of Christchurch Cathedral. Moderately graphic images reveal the depth of destruction alongside quotes of those mourning the 181 lives lost, many from the collapse of the CTV building. A headline article on page 11 reads "Hopes from September cruelly dashed". Infographics detail the science behind earthquake events (page 23), various economic and structural impacts across the CBD (page 24) and details on the International Rescue Operation (page 25). The memorial event in North Hagley Park held on March 18 is featured on pages 36-38, and was attended by 80,000 people, including Prince William. This edition also features a section to record memories and stories from the earthquake (page 41), followed by a list of those confirmed lost (pages 42-27).
- Christchurch Press 24 February 2011: Section A, Page 4 | "A City in Ruins." - Infographic showing a map indicating the location of welfare and triage centres, and a separate map showing infrastructure impacted around the City Centre.
- The Star 1 June 2011 (Page 1-2) | “City resigned to third quake.” - This issue of The Star looks at anxieties around another potential quake following the devastation from February.
Credit: Gregor Ronald. Source: https://quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz/store/object/73889
June 13, 2011
Christchurch epicentre 6.3 magnitude aftershock
- The Star 15 June 2011 - On the front page (continuing on page 7), a woman recounts her close call in Sumner, where a large boulder descended near her walking path following the aftershock. Page 2 tells of ‘two cities’ as some shoppers enjoyed busy malls in the north and west, while others in the devastated east were left dealing with liquefaction from the aftershock. Page 3 reports on the one known fatality from the quake while page 4 features several residents in Avondale who recount the third time liquefaction has impacted their homes.
- The Observer 20 June 2011 | "Quake housing plan remains rock solid." - Article details how there will be temporary housing going ahead in Linwood Park, after significant liquefaction following the 13 June quake (page 1). Subsequent articles discuss the potential disruption of services in St Martins (page 3) and what to do with the ‘red stickered’ Southern encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House, owned by Orana Wildlife Trust (page 15). Aftershock photos on page 21 shows some of the impacts to following the 13 June aftershocks.
- The Star 22 June 2011 | "Start showing us the money." - Pressure appears to build on the government to provide answers as residents face ongoing uncertainty following multiple earthquake events in Christchurch (page 1, continuing on page 7). A note from the editor compares liquefaction from the 13 June event to that from the 22 February quake (page 3). Page 4 details how the immeasurable help of volunteers, including Environmental Canterbury's new chief executive, has lifted the morale of quake victims while families continue to make tough decision on whether or not to remain in Christchurch following another earthquake (page 4 and page 11). Another article details the Clifton Tce. landslip resulting from the 13 June earthquake (page 6).
December 23, 2011
5.8 and 6.0 magnitude quakes
- Christchurch Press 24 December 2011: Section A, Page 1 (South Island Edition) | "Panic as quakes hit again." Christmas shoppers in Christchurch were once again caught off guard from back-to-back 5.8 and 6.0 magnitude earthquakes. The first event stuck just before 2pm with the other occurring just after 3pm, disrupting travellers and covering parts of the eastern suburbs in silt.
- Christchurch Press 26 December 2011: Section A, Page 1 | "Festive spirit triumphs over shakes." - The festive holiday spirit remains for many, following yet another round of aftershocks. Power had just been restored for many residents on Christmas eve. One photo shows a joyful Clark family in front of what is described as one of the city's largest mound of liquefaction, topped with a Christmas star. Based in Parklands, the Clark family are said to have needed to continuously shovel silt from their property for over a year. Another featured article highlights how the latest quake may have caused a mini tsunami.
- Christchurch Press 28 December 2011: Section A, Page 1 | "Latest quakes costly." - The magnitude 5.8 and 6.0 quakes caused significant new liquefaction in eastern Christchurch, on a scale similar to those on 13 June 2011. The Treasury notes that there is a resulting significant cost increase for the Earthquake Commission (EQC), to the tune of an additional $1.1 billion.
- Christchurch Press 30 December 2011: Section A, Page 1 | "Police quit HQ after quake fears." "Lonely hearts seek solace amid the rubble." - Out of precaution, Christchurch police made the decision to abandon a Central City HQ over concerns it could be unstable following multiple earthquakes and aftershocks. Another story covers the uptick on dating websites for those looking for companionship following the multiple devastating earthquake events. Sumner and New Brighton are revealed to be the busiest suburbs on the Find Someone dating site.
Credit: Steven Taylor. Source: https://quakestudies.canterbury.ac.nz/store/object/72175
Additional Articles
- Christchurch Press 11 February 2012: Section C, Page 2 | "The moment our city fell apart." - One year on from the 22 February earthquake, this page presents short quotes detailing individual experiences from the day. Additionally, Page 3 includes a 3-image time-lapse which captured several people running for cover as a building begins to collapse in Merivale. On this same page, another image has captured a cliff in Sumner mid-collapse.
- Christchurch Press 22 February 2013: Section A, Page 3 | "Looking back at a great city.” - This page of The Press highlights personal narratives on post-quake impacts and a memorial service for those who perished in the language school, located inside the CTV building.