By Angela Beswick
All public buildings which have not been structurally cleared in Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn districts will be closed until Wednesday.
The decision follows the devastating earthquake which struck the Canterbury region in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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More than 500 buildings have been damaged in the magnitude 7.1 quake, which struck 30km west of the city around 4.35am.
At least 90 of the damaged buildings are in the central city area, Christchurch City Council said.
All public buildings are to remain closed until Wednesday, according to the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr Alistair Humphrey.
Full interview with Dr Humphrey about the closure
This means all schools in the areas covered by the civil defence emergency zone will be closed.
Prime Minister John Key arrived in Christchurch yesterday afternoon to assess the damage. He has pledged Government support to the people of Canterbury, where the damage bill has been estimated at $2 billion by the Earthquake Commission.
“We are here to support them. We are not going to let Christchurch suffer this great tragedy on its own,” he said.
Christchurch earthquake - Your Photos - Day 2
A state of emergency was declared for the region at around 10am yesterday, with Civil Defence Minister John Carter describing the situation as a “significant disaster”.
It will remain in place until noon on Monday in the city, and until today in other districts.
The quake is New Zealand’s most damaging since the magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Napier in 1931. New Zealand’s deadliest earthquake, at least 256 people died in Napier, 93 in Hastings and two in Wairoa, with thousands requiring medical treatment.
Major NZ Quakes
Remarkably, the only person known to suffer critical injury in Canterbury was a man in his 50s who is in intensive care after being hit by a falling chimney.
A second man suffered serious cuts, while many others had cuts, scratches and broken limbs.
One man was reported to have died after suffering a heart attack during the earthquake.
Organisations or individuals who wish to donate can do so by ringing 0800 Red Cross, going to the Red Cross website or putting money into collection boxes at Westfield Shopping Centres.
Aftershocks
Aftershocks continued overnight. At least 15 quakes were reported by GeoNet, ranging between magnitude 3.2 and 4.9, from 10.30 last night to 8am today in the Canterbury region.
The latest aftershock was centred 10km southwest of Darfield, measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale. It struck at 12.27 this afternoon.
The likelihood of aftershocks, up to magnitude 6, will remain for the next week.
Latest quake report from GeoNet
Search and Rescue
Around a dozen people were pulled from lifts, buildings and holes in the ground in the aftermath of the earthquake.
3 News reporter Mike McRoberts was filming a piece to camera when a in Worcester St when the building next to him exploded into flames. The fire, in a large building, created more work for an already stretched Fire Service.
NZ Fire Service and police have deployed additional resources to Canterbury, while New Zealand Defence Force personnel are on standby, should they be required.
An airforce Hercules is flying to Christchurch with 42 urban search and rescue personnel and three dogs trained to search for human remains.
Water
Emergency centre staff will focus on the water supply today, which could still force evacuations in worst-hit areas like Brighton, Brooklands and parts of Avonside.
Water supply had resumed for all but 15 to 20 percent and the council says today’s efforts will focus on the remaining areas.
There are more than 200 water leaks around the city, half of which were significant, according to the council.
Residents are being advised to conserve water and flush toilets sparingly. Port-a-loos have been provided and water tankers can be located around the city.
Sewage continues to be an issue for Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts. Water supply is the main concern.
A shortage of drinkable water has been identified as an issue in Waimakariri, and water reticulation in rural areas continues to be problematic.
Power
Power is back in 90 percent of the city and will be restored in central Christchurch when buildings are checked.
Roads
While there has been damage to minor bridges, major ones had withstood the quake.
However, some roads have been closed due to liquefaction or flooding.
Welfare
At least 270 people were accommodated at welfare centres set up at Burnside High School Linwood College and Addington Raceway last night.
The council reported 50 people at Addington Raceway, 109 at Burnside High and 85 at Linwood College.
Two New Zealand Red Cross emergency management teams with 21 members had also helped around the city, using 4WD vehicles to look for people cut off in the countryside, west of Christchurch.
The Earthquake Government Helpline was activated yesterday afternoon and is available between 7am and 10pm daily on 0800 779 997. People requiring information on income support, housing options, health issues, community assistance, Civil Defence or any other Government service should call this number.
Aid
Promises of aid have started coming in. The Salvation Army fed 1000 people at two Christchurch locations yesterday, launching an appeal to help feed and support those affected.
Prime Minister John Key has pledged Government support to the people of Canterbury, where damage has been estimated at $2 billion by the EQC.
KiwiRail has transported 14
Hospitals
Mains power has been restored to all Christchurch hospitals and there is no change to the situation regarding injuries. Main health concerns are now moving from initial medical treatment to public health issues and welfare issues.
Overnight hospital activity was reported as quiet and ambulance services have returned to normal operation. All hospitals are fully operational, despite minor infrastructure issues.
It is estimated around 100 injured patients seen on Saturday relate to the earthquake.
Damage
The council’s building evaluation team will inspect all buildings within the central zone, tagging red placards to buildings considered unsafe, yellow on buildings assigned restricted use and green on buildings with no restrictions.
John Campbell surveys historical sites in Christchurch
The council said it hoped to have the damage assessment completed today and the yellow and green tagged buildings cleaned up on Monday.
Cordons and Access
The overnight curfew and cordon was lifted from the Central Business District, but much of the central city will remain cordoned off, the council says. There will be no public access before Monday with the exception of residents.
People are being urged to minimise travel, particularly in the central city.
At least 80 police officers from Auckland will help with general duties and recovery.
Phone lines
There are still some parts of Christchurch without landline services, caused by prolonged loss of power or damage from the earthquake.
Telecom’s overall network is holding up well, Telecom Retail chief executive Alan Gourdie says, but there are still many people unable to use their own phones.
“We know many people in Christchurch will be facing ongoing disruption and it’s important they are able to stay in touch with the people who matter to them,” he said.
The company has made around 300 payphones in Christchurch free for local, national and mobile calls.
Telecom has asked that customers use payphones responsibly, by keeping calls brief and making important calls only.
Weather
A severe weather warning for gale force wind between midday Sunday and 6am Monday could play significant stress on already damaged buildings and temporary repairs to buildings. Rain is not expected to fall over the Canterbury Plains until Monday evening.
Heavy rainfall in the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers is likely to result in a rise in river levels later.
Insurance
While people who were insured will get payouts from the EQC, there will be a mayoral fund to support those who aren’t, Mr Key said.
The EQC has already received approximately 2800 claims for damage to residential properties, but are expecting a significant increase in claims over the next couple of days.
Message from the Earthquake Commission
ANZ Bank is donating $1 million to the proposed fun and TelstraClear has pledged $100,000.
Westpac Bank and ANZ are also offering customers relief in the form of home loan payment deferrals, loan repayments and waiving fees.
The EQC and insurance specialists expect to report back on Monday. It could be months before the extent of damage is known.
State insurance is reminding customers their first priority is to safeguard themselves, their families and protect their property as much as they can until repairs can be made.
People with house and contents insurance automatically have EQC cover.
Customers should take photos before moving anything or tidying up, making assessment of their insurance claim easier.
Westpac and ANZ were also offering customers relief such as deferral of home loan repayments, or waiving fees.
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