Christchurch residents were shaken and distressed by a large 5.8 aftershock that rattled the city and surrounds on the afternoon of the 23rd December. The malls and shopping areas were crowded as people were doing last minute shopping and the earthquake caught everyone by surprise. It was followed at 3:18pm by a 6.0 shake.
Christchurch Shaken by Major Aftershocks on 23rd December
The 5.8 aftershock that hit Christchurch has been listed by Canterbury Quake Live as the fifth equal largest shake since the 4th September 7.1 earthquake. It was centred in the ocean, just over 21 kilometres from Cathedral Square, at a depth of 8 kilometres. It measured 6 on the Mercalli scale that lists the possible effects as follows: Felt by everyone. Difficult to stand. Some heavy furniture moved, some plaster falls. Chimneys may be slightly damaged.
The 6.0 aftershock was centred in New Brighton at a depth of 5.8 kilometres and was the fourth biggest earthquake since the 7.1. It released 15 kilo tonnes of energy and measured 7 on the Mercalli scale. This means the possible effects included ‘slight to moderate damage in well built, ordinary structures. Considerable damage to poorly built structures. Some walls may fall.’
Aftershocks between 2pm and 5pm included those with a magnitude of 5.3, 5.0, 4.6 and 4.2.
Effects of the December 23rd Aftershocks
Initial reports were that 15,000 people were without power, fresh liquefaction had occurred in some areas, a home had collapsed and fresh rock falls had occurred. All of the major malls were evacuated and closed along with Christchurch Airport. TV One News interviewed Mayor Bob Parker by phone and he said he was very concerned. “You can’t underestimate the ongoing stress that this has created for so many people ... it sets people back.” The mayor was in Taupo waiting for a flight back to Christchurch.
The feeling among the people was one of disbelief. Shocked shoppers streamed from malls after goods fell from shelves and ceiling panels dropped. News reports said that one person was injured in Eastgate Mall and was taken to hospital.
Soon after the shakes, police were doing a reconnaissance by helicopter to determine the extent of the damage and various teams were checking the water works, buildings and power.
Comments on Facebook about the 23rd December Aftershocks
Comments on Facebook revealed that the aftershocks were felt as far away as Westport, Dunedin and Blenheim. Most people were in disbelief that the city had been struck by another large seismic event.
- A great big shake at Charging Cross, worst we have had since 4 Sept 10 just what we don't want at Christmas thanks.
- Big in Rangiora...knocked things down....and another smaller one few minutes later.
- Rolled and jolted in rolleston flung freezer door open........that’s never happened.
- One xmas tree down.
- St Albans coming from different direction this time. Cupboard doors opened north south, before opposite side. I am sick of these. Right back to where I was before after being lulled into a false sense of security.
With Christmas only two days away, the people of Christchurch are struggling with the enormity of the ongoing earthquakes and aftershocks. In spite of this, many are determined to keep going and enjoy the season as best as they can.
Debbie Roome - Debbie Roome is an award-winning freelance writer, journalist and novelist with over 25 years experience.
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