2010 Canterbury earthquake
The 2010 Canterbury earthquake struck the South Island of New Zealand with a moment magnitude of 7.1 at 4:35 am local time on 4 September, and had a maximum perceived intensity of X (Extreme) on the Mercalli intensity scale. Some damaging aftershocks followed the main event, the strongest of which was a magnitude 6.3 shock known as the Christchurch earthquake that occurred nearly six months later on 22 February 2011. Because this aftershock was centred very close to Christchurch, it was much more destructive and resulted in the deaths of 185 people.
Medway footbridge over the Avon River
Building damage in Worcester Street, corner Manchester Street, with Christchurch Cathedral in the background
Central Kaiapoi suffered major damage; many of the town's buildings had to be bulldozed as a result of the 2010 earthquake and subsequent quake in February 2011.
The tower of St John's Church, Hororata was badly damaged in the quake, as were many other historic buildings
2011 Christchurch earthquake
A major earthquake occurred in Christchurch on Tuesday 22 February 2011 at 12:51 p.m. local time. The Mw6.2 earthquake struck the Canterbury region in the South Island, centred 6.7 kilometres (4.2 mi) south-east of the central business district. It caused widespread damage across Christchurch, killing 185 people in New Zealand's fifth-deadliest disaster.
Damaged Catholic cathedral two months after the earthquake
Results of liquefaction; the fine washed-up sand solidifies after the water has run off
115 bodies were recovered from the CTV Building, which collapsed during the quake
The Grand Chancellor had to be demolished
