1891 Port Waikato earthquake
.png)  | |
| Local date | 23 June 1891 |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | ML5.7 - 5.9[1] |
| Mw6.0 - 6.2[2] | |
| Depth | <30 km[1] |
| Epicentre | 37°24′S 174°42′E / 37.4°S 174.7°E |
| Fault | Waikato Fault[3] |
| Type | Normal |
| Areas affected | Waikato, Auckland (New Zealand) |
| Total damage | Minor |
| Max. intensity | MMI VII (Very strong) |
| Tsunami | No |
| Casualties | None |
The 1891 Port Waikato earthquake occurred on 23 June local time in the Waikato region of New Zealand, with an estimated magnitude of 5.7 - 5.9 on the ML scale. The maximum intensity of the quake on the Mercalli intensity scale possibly reached VII (Very Strong), especially around the Waikato River mouth region.[1][2]
This also relates to the quake's epicenter, strongly believed to be pretty close to the river mouth of the Waikato River based on local newspaper and lighthouse reports at the time. In addition to this, it is believed that the possibly active Waikato Fault in the Auckland region may be the cause of such an earthquake.[1][3]
On the other hand, much of Auckland city felt an intensity of VI (Strong). This quake caused quite a lot of excitement among the citizens of Auckland and surrounding areas, as a very small amount of quakes had been felt there, and definitely none with such a strong intensity. The quake was not only a surprise to the citizens of Auckland, but only caused minor damage to the region. A few chimneys in the Auckland region suffered some damages, a few toppled over, and a number of shop display windows and crockery were shattered.[1][4]
See also
- List of earthquakes in New Zealand
- List of historical earthquakes
- Auckland regional faults
- 1835 Auckland earthquake
- ^ a b c d e "Auckland Lifelines, ARC Earthquake hazards Auckland region, Chapter 3: Historical Seismicity - March 1995_Hull A G". Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ a b "GeoNet – Quakes". Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Auckland Lifelines, ARC Earthquake hazards Auckland region, Chapter 4: Faults of the Auckland region - March 1995_Hull A G". Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "GET READY NZ - Historical emergencies". Retrieved 29 February 2024.