Plans to reopen the earthquake-hit city centre in Christchurch, New Zealand, have been put on hold after fears that aftershocks could cause further problems.
Speaking after last Saturday’s quake which damaged 100,000 houses and caused hundreds to have to be demolished, mayor Bob Parker said noone had been lost so far and “that’s the way we want it to stay.”
The 7.1 strong quake rocked the New Zealand city last weekend and it is thought the cost of the disaster will be almost £2bn. Dozens of further aftershocks have been felt since the earthquake.
Parker added that the no-go area would be made smaller as the days go by and reiterated to the public that most of Christchurch is still “open for business”.
Meanwhile Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism says that 98% of its members are still operating as usual and travellers booked to travel to the city and around should keep their bookings and stay in touch with their travel suppliers for updates.
For official updates on the earthquake visit www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz or www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf
by Dinah Hatch
