1968 Meckering earthquake facts for kids
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| UTC time | 1968-10-14 02:58:52 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 815895 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 14 October 1968 |
| Local time | 10:58:52 |
| Magnitude | 6.5 Mw |
| Depth | 15 km (9 mi) |
| Epicenter | 31°34′S 117°04′E / 31.57°S 117.07°E |
| Fault | Meckering Fault |
| Type | Reverse |
| Total damage | $2.2 million |
| Max. intensity | IX (Violent) |
| Casualties | 20–28 injured |
The Western Australian town of Meckering was struck by an earthquake on 14 October 1968. The earthquake occurred at 10:58:52 local time, with a moment magnitude of 6.5 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). Total damage amounted to $2.2 million with 20–28 injured.
Earthquake
The shallow fault was about 32 kilometres (20 mi) long around the western side of the town of Meckering. It damaged roads including the Great Eastern Highway, the Eastern Goldfields Railway and the Goldfields water pipeline. It formed a fault scarp up to 1.5 metres (5 ft) high with overthrusting to the west of up to 2 metres (7 ft) and strike-slip displacement of up to 0.9 metres (3 ft).
Damage
The effect of the earthquake involved structures in Perth, the capital of Western Australia 130 km west of Meckering. It occurred mid-morning of a public holiday, the Queen's Birthday and theatres were packed with children.
