M 7.0 - 19 km NE of Methven, New Zealand

Two people seriously injured, six bridges and many buildings damaged in the Christchurch area. About 30 km of right-lateral surface faulting with a maximum offset of more than 5 m was observed southeast of Darfield. Liquefaction caused damage at Bexley, Kaiapoi and in parts of Christchurch. Landslides were observed along the Rakaia River and the Port Hills area. Maximum intensity IX in the Christchurch-Greendale area and felt (VI) in much of Canterbury. Felt throughout New Zealand. Detailed information about this earthquake is available on the New Zealand GeoNet website at http://www.geonet.org.nz.