Kaikoura earthquake

The Kaikoura earthquake occurred on November 14, 2016, off the coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It was a magnitude 7.8 event resulting from complex movements along multiple fault lines, causing significant ground shaking. The earthquake caused landslides, road and rail disruptions, and damage to infrastructure, as well as coastal uplift and subsidence. It was notable for its extensive rupture zone, involving the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, which led to a rapidly changing landscape and emphasized the region’s geological vulnerability. Despite its strength, there were relatively few casualties due to effective preparedness and response measures.