Recent earthquakes near Christchurch
Christchurch sits on the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand's South Island, on soft sediments that proved dangerously prone to liquefaction. Previously unmapped faults beneath the region produced the 2010 Darfield earthquake (M7.1) and, more destructively, the shallow 2011 Christchurch earthquake (M6.3) directly beneath the city. The sequence reshaped the city and New Zealand's understanding of hidden faults. In the past 24 hours, Christchurch has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake?
On February 22, 2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck at shallow depth almost directly beneath Christchurch. It killed 185 people, caused severe liquefaction, and destroyed much of the central city, making it New Zealand's deadliest earthquake since 1931.
Why was the Christchurch earthquake so damaging?
The 2011 rupture was shallow and very close to the city, producing extremely strong ground motion. Christchurch's soft, water-saturated soils then liquefied, undermining buildings and infrastructure across large areas.
Were there warning signs before 2011?
The February 2011 earthquake was an aftershock of the larger September 4, 2010 Darfield earthquake (M7.1), which struck on a previously unknown fault west of the city. The 2010 event caused damage but no deaths; the closer 2011 aftershock proved far deadlier.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.