The 2010 Canterbury earthquake (also known as the Christchurch earthquake or Darfield earthquake) was a 7.1 magnitude earthquake,[2] which struck the South Island of New Zealand at 4:35 am on 4 September 2010 local time (16:35 3 September UTC).[1] Aftershocks have continued into 2012, with some causing significant damage themselves. The strongest to date, of magnitude 6.3, occurred on 22 February 2011.[7] Because this was centred very close to Christchurch, it was much more destructive, with 185 people being killed.[8] It was felt from Invercargill to Wellington.[9]