Location a major factor in NZ quake devastation

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The latest New Zealand earthquake caused much more destruction yet is smaller than one that rocked the area last September.

Why? Scientists say it’s all about location, location, location.

Tuesday’s magnitude-6.3 quake was centered about 3 miles from the populated New Zealand city of Christchurch, toppling buildings and killing dozens.

“It’s essentially right under Christchurch,” said geophysicist Don Blakeman of the U.S. Geological Survey in Golden, Colo.

By contrast, the far larger magnitude-7 shaker last year hit about 30 miles west of the city. The quake triggered landslides and damaged bridges and buildings in the Christchurch region.

Since September, about half a dozen aftershocks greater than magnitude-5 have rattled the area. Tuesday’s is the largest aftershock to date.