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State of emergency lifted in Christchurch

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State of emergency lifted in Christchurch

3News NZ

National state of emergency has been lifted in Christchurch (file)

National state of emergency has been lifted in Christchurch (file)

Almost ten weeks on from February's deadly earthquake in Christchurch the national state of emergency has been lifted.

The state of emergency expired at 11.59pm last night and the recovery process has been handed over to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera).

"While the state of national emergency has been lifted, the Government remains committed to the rebuild and recovery of Christchurch city and Cera will lead that work," Civil Defence Minister John Carter said.

"I have been proud to witness the Civil Defence response to this earthquake and to see the great community spirit shown by New Zealanders not only in Canterbury, but around the country and the world. We are a nation that rallies in times of need."

Mr Carter also thanked overseas personnel who came to help with in the immediate aftermath of the quake.

"New Zealand is lucky to have so many good friends."

More than 180 people are thought to have died in the earthquake, which severely damaged hundreds of buildings. Parts of the CBD remain cordoned off.

The state of national emergency in New Zealand was declared on February 23.

It was the first to be declared under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 and was repeatedly extended for nearly 10 weeks.

NZPA

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Comments

1/05/2011 1:16:34 p.m.

Paul wrote:

One giant step forward for Christchurch and it's Citizens, I have made some great friends in Christchurch and it is fantastic that the State of Emergency has been lifted, and also some bus routes are getting back to normal too. I have been closely following the unfolding news in the United Kingdom all about "The World's Greatest Compact City" beginning to design the all new era for Christchurch. New Zealand certainly does have friends around the world and I'am thankful to be one of them. I also hope that the aftershocks start to simmer down soon because a lot of frightened and angry Christchurch Citizens need a long break from them due to the fact they have just been relentless since February 22'nd 6.3 Magnitude earthquake for which I was a part of. The pain and misery must stop for CHCH also because it has cost lives and businesses and well known monuments and historical buildings (Especially Christchurch Cathedral) that have been part of the CHCH arena since it's inception. I fully support all of what the Civil Defence crews and personnel have done for CHCH and keeping all persons safe by bringing electricity,water supplies and some bus routes back to their original service. Keep it up Christchurch Paul. UK.