Which earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand, on 22 February 2011?

The 2011 Christchurch earthquake struck Christchurch, New Zealand, on 22 February 2011.

The magnitude-6.2 earthquake occurred at 12:51 p.m. local time, close to the city and at relatively shallow depth. Although smaller than the magnitude-7.1 Canterbury earthquake of September 2010, it caused much greater urban damage because its epicentre was nearer Christchurch and strong shaking affected built-up areas.

The earthquake killed 185 people and caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of the Canterbury Television building. Liquefaction damaged roads, bridges, pipes and foundations. Christchurch’s Anglican cathedral also suffered severe damage, becoming one of the best-known symbols of the disaster.

The event was part of the earthquake sequence associated with the previously unmapped faults around the Canterbury region. It is sometimes confused with the 2010 Canterbury earthquake, which began the sequence but caused fewer deaths and less damage in the city.