Christchurch Hit by Big Quake
The people of New Zealand are no strangers to earthquakes. The island nation is bisected by a major fault line, similar to the San Andreas fault in California.
But the 6.3 earthquake that pummeled Christchurch on Tuesday was still quite a shocker, given the devastation it caused. Buildings collapsed, roads split apart, at least 75 people were killed and scores injured. Rescuers are still searching for survivors trapped in the rubble.
This latest quake is considered an aftershock from a previous 7.0 temblor that rolled through just 25 miles away from New Zealand’s second largest city last September.
This quake was centered three miles from Christchurch, an area known for its British style brick buildings, which do not do well during earthquakes. The ground beneath the city is comprised of loose gravel and dirt, the perfect combination for liquefaction during a quake.
All those pieces added up to a very scary day in New Zealand and one that won’t soon be forgotten.
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