WELLINGTON, (Reuters) – Strong aftershocks and gale-force winds buffeted a clean-up of New Zealand’s second biggest city yesterday following the country’s most damaging earthquake in 80 years.
Christchurch and a large surrounding area of rural towns and farms on South Island were struck by the magnitude 7.1 quake early on Saturday morning, bringing down power lines, ripping up roads, smashing water and sewage pipes, and wrecking building facades. There were no deaths and only a few injuries.
Initial estimates for the cost of earthquake damage have been put at around NZ$2 billion ($1.4 billion), but Key said that the Earthquake Commission, a state disaster insurance fund, had sufficient assets to be able to cover claims.
Some of the city’s large public facilities including major bridges, the airport, university and a sports stadium which will host games at next year’s Rugby World Cup, appeared to have suffered only superficial damage, although detailed engineering studies were still underway.
A state of emergency remained in force throughout the region and the central business district of Christchurch remained shut.
“We’ve got some tough days ahead of us and I’m not optimistic,” Christchurch mayor Bob Parker told Television New Zealand.
“I’d like the central area to be open for business tomorrow, but looking at some of the buildings around here that would be less likely.”
All schools in Christchurch and some surrounding area hit by the massive quake are to be closed until at least Wednesday as engineers are making essential structural checks.
