The 2011 Christchurch earthquake struck without warning at 12.51pm, on 22 February. The 6.3 magnitude earthquake killed 185 people and injured several thousand. How did it happen? Why was it so destructive? And could it happen in Australia? We talk to seismologist Dr Mark Leonard and engineer Mark Edwards, both from Geoscience Australia, about the science and some of the lessons we’ve learnt on building standards. Superintendent Tom Cooper, of Fire and Rescue NSW, gives a vivid firsthand account of his search and rescue role in the earthquake’s aftermath. We also talk to the Mansfield Shire Council about their Community Resilience Leadership Program, one of the highly commended entries in the 2015 Resilient Australia Awards.