New Zealand : ChristchurchQuake information Update 19

Update 19 from New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Department :

" Christchurch Quake

2205 hrs 5 September 2010

An extensive number of aftershocks of between Magnitude 3.2 and 5.4 have occurred since the Magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Christchurch at 0436 hours, 4 September 2010. The likelihood of aftershocks of up to around Magnitude 6 will remain for the next week.

A severe weather warning for gale force wind between midday today and 6am Monday could place significant stress on already damaged buildings and damage temporary repairs to buildings. Rain is not expected to fall over the Canterbury Plains until Monday evening. Heavy rainfall in the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers is likely to result in a rise in river levels later.

A state of local emergency remains in place for Christchurch City, Selwyn District and Waimakariri District.

Christchurch City Council, Waimakariri District Council and Selwyn District Council are coordinating assessments of building damage in their respective areas. The Earthquake Commission (EQC) has received approximately 4000 claims for damage to residential properties but are expecting a significant increase in claims over the next couple of days.

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. 150 people were accommodated overnight Sunday-Monday September 5-6.

NZ Police under section 86 of the CDEM Act have moved to restrict public access to the Christchurch City and Kaiapoi CBDs, Kairaki Beach, Pine Beach and any other points at their discretion. Police have already re–established the cordon in the Christchurch CBD due to the threat to life from falling glass. Schools have also been closed within Kaiapoi, Christchurch City and Selwyn Districts for Monday and Tuesday.

Canterbury Regional Civil Defence Emergency Coordination Centre is operational. Most of the Emergency Operations Centres in the Canterbury region are activated. The National Crisis Management Centre remains activated to ensure any central government support and coordination that might be needed is available."