Two magnitude four aftershocks have struck Canterbury today.
Sunday 14th November 2010
A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck Canterbury this evening, the stronger of two notable aftershocks to rattle residents today. The quake, which struck at 7:21 p.m. was centred 20 km south-west of Christchurch at a depth of 9 km.
According to instruments at Papanui High School, North New Brighton School and Christchurch Resthaven, shaking reached MM6 in parts of Christchurch. MM6 shaking is regarded as slightly damaging and is defined as: Felt by all. People and animals are alarmed, and many run outside. Walking steadily is difficult. Furniture and appliances may move on smooth surfaces, and objects fall from walls and shelves. Glassware and crockery break. Slight non-structural damage to buildings may occur.
Many residents were woken by a magnitude 4.7 aftershock at 1:34 this morning. This event was centred 20 km west of Christchurch (20 km north of Leeston) at a depth of 7 km. The quake was widely felt, with reports being filed from throughout Canterbury, on the West Coast and as far south as Invercargill. Damage was reported from Heihei and St Albans, with light damge reported from Aranui, Christchurch, Halswell, Hoon Hay, Hornby, Riccarton, Rolleston, Sockburn, Spreydon, and West Melton.
Smaller aftershocks of magnitude two and three have also been felt in the area today.
[Compiled from data provided by the GeoNet project and its sponsors EQC, GNS Science and FRST.]
One has to wonder when it is going to stop!