Earthquake in New Zealand led to the collapse of the Tasman Glacier

As a result of an earthquake Tasman Glacier collapsed in New Zealand

More than 30 million tons of ice collapsed from the largest glacier in New Zealand, Tasman Glacier, as a result of an earthquake, which occurred in the city of Christchurch.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake occurred at 12:51 local time on the South Island of New Zealand. The epicenter was located 10 kilometers southeast of the city of Christchurch and about 250km from the country's largest Tasman Glacier, which is located in the Mount Cook National Park.

As a result of the earthquake in New Zealand city the city of Christchurch was significantly damaged. Natural disaster destroyed many local attractions, bridges, roads, residential and public buildings. Telephone and electricity lines in Christchurch were considerably damaged. Part of the city is flooded. More than 60 people were killed.

In addition to the considerable damage of Christchurch, devastating earthquake led to the collapse of the largest Tasman Glacier, which length is 27 kilometers. More than 30 million tons of ice crashed down into the lake under the Tasman glacier. As a result of the collapse of ice blocks in the lake formed a 3.5-meter high wave crushing everything in its path.

According to the experts, such glacier collapse is often accompanied by massive accumulations of water, damming of lakes and formation of ultra-hazardous glacial debris. At the moment there is no information about the victims of the Tasman glacier collapse.

Alesia Belaya

Photo: Christoph Boddem

Date: 24/02/2011