2007 Gisborne earthquake facts for kids
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| UTC time | 2007-12-20 07:55:15 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 13293317 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 20 December 2007 |
| Local time | 8:55 pm NZDT (UTC+13) |
| Magnitude | 6.7 Mw |
| Depth | 33 km (21 mi) |
| Epicenter | 38°53′S 178°32′E / 38.89°S 178.54°E |
| Areas affected | New Zealand |
| Max. intensity | VIII (Severe) |
| Peak acceleration | 0.28 g |
| Casualties | 1 dead, 11 injured |
The 2007 Gisborne earthquake was a strong earthquake that happened under the Pacific Ocean. It struck about 50 kilometers (31 miles) off the eastern coast of New Zealand's North Island. The earthquake occurred at 8:55 pm New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) on December 20, 2007.
This earthquake had a moment magnitude of 6.7. This number tells us how much energy the earthquake released. It also had a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII, which means it caused "Severe" shaking. The city of Gisborne was most affected. However, people felt the shaking across a large part of New Zealand, from Auckland in the north to Dunedin in the south.
What Happened During the Gisborne Earthquake?
The 2007 Gisborne earthquake caused significant damage in the Gisborne area. While no deaths were directly caused by the shaking, one elderly woman in Gisborne had a heart attack and passed away shortly after the quake. Eleven other people were injured.
Damage to Buildings and Power
Many buildings in central Gisborne were damaged. The main shopping and business area was closed off. This allowed experts to check buildings for safety. Three buildings completely collapsed.
Right after the earthquake, many areas lost electricity. The town clock in Gisborne stopped at 8:55 pm, showing the exact time the quake hit.
Cost of the Damage
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) helps people with insurance claims after earthquakes. By January 14, 2008, the EQC had received over 3,100 insurance claims. These claims added up to about $16 million. Experts had estimated that the total cost of damage from the earthquake could reach $30 million.
