Effects of earthquakes

Ground Shaking

Violent ground shaking could last for up to a minute in a large Wellington fault earthquake. It may be very difficult to remain standing during the earthquake. Several hundred aftershocks could be felt in the weeks following the main quake.

Slope Failure (landslides)

Damage from earthquake-induced landslides can range from severely weakened foundations and structural failures, to total destruction.

Liquefaction

Ground-shaking causes some soils to behave like a liquid, causing structures to sink, tilt or topple over.

Fault Movement

A rupture of the Wellington fault could involve horizontal and/or vertical movement of several metres. This could cause buildings, roads, water mains, gas lines and power cables that cross the fault-line to be displaced. A map of the Wellington fault can be obtained from Greater Wellington Regional Council.