Hawke’s Bay earthquake of 1931
earthquake, North Island, New Zealand
Quick Summary
The Hawke's Bay earthquake of 1931 was a devastating seismic event that struck the eastern North Island of New Zealand on February 3, 1931. The earthquake, centered near Napier, caused widespread destruction, particularly in the cities of Napier and Hastings. The event significantly altered the landscape, destroying much of Napier's harbor and leading to the city's reconstruction in an Art Deco style. This earthquake remains one of New Zealand's deadliest natural disasters, highlighting the seismic vulnerability of the region.
Summary created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

