Christchurch residents have lived through another large aftershock that was centered approximately 32 kilometers from the city center. The 5.3 shake was widely felt and within seconds, people were on Facebook comparing experiences.
Aftershocks Continue to Shake Christchurch
According to the Canterbury Quake Live website, the 5.3 aftershock on the 21st June 2011 was recorded at a depth of 12 kilometers and released 2 kilo tonnes of energy. It registered as a VI on the Mercalli scale which describes the possible effects as follows: Felt by everyone. Difficult to stand. Some heavy furniture moved, some plaster falls. Chimneys may be slightly damaged. This aftershock follows a 5.5 on the 6th June and a 5.6 and 6.3 on the 13th June.
Christchurch Residents Compare Aftershock Experiences on Facebook
Many people in Christchurch reach for their computers as soon as a large aftershock rattles the city. On Tuesday 21st June, some people were already asleep while others were preparing to go to bed when the aftershock happened. Comments on Facebook included a suggestion for quake forecasts: “It feels like the quakes are so regular here that there should be earthquake forecast for the day akin to weather forecast: eg Fine weather today with moderate earthquake risk - stay outdoors in open spaces, carry cell phone with you to text loved ones."
Other comments reported that the aftershock was felt as far away as Greymouth, Timaru, Fairlie, and Dunedin. The general feeling reflected was that this had been a sharp, violent shake that had knocked things over and caused damage in some areas. People posted their experiences and many added encouraging comments such as these:“Keep safe everyone, and check where your torches are before you go to bed. We'll get through. Hope that's it for the night. Go hug your loved ones, your cat or dog (maybe just high-five the goldfish), and here's hoping for a quiet and peaceful rest of the night.” “We are thinking of you all in Chch, stay strong and safe.” “Keep safe friends - there is nothing to fear except fear itself. Hold strong to each other and know that you are loved and precious.”
Damage Caused by Christchurch Aftershock on 21st June 2011
Christchurch suburban areas including Ilam, Burnside and Avonhead lost power immediately after the 5.3 shake but this was restored within an hour in most places. TVNZ News reported that Christchurch Airport had been closed while the terminal buildings and runways were checked for damage. It was expected that it would reopen by 1:30am on the 22nd June. There were also reports of new liquefaction in some areas and further rock falls on the eastern side of Christchurch. GNS Science reported that it seemed a small fault below Banks Peninsula had ruptured. Because this is an area of hard volcanic rock, the effects were felt strongly as it broke.
Christchurch residents have lived through over 7350 aftershocks since the September 4th quake, with the shake on the 21st June registering as the 11th largest since that day. It would be fair to say that all of them have had enough and long for the ground to settle down.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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