Christchurch earthquake: Latest updates

Christchurch was hit by two more strong aftershocks of 4.6 and 4.5 magnitude at 7.10am today -- one at a depth of 15km 20km west of Christchurch and the other at a depth of 6km 20km southeast of Darfield.

Scores of aftershocks have been hitting the region since the 7.1 magnitude earthquake at 4.35am last Saturday, causing more damage to already fragile buildings.

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Cordon around central city removed

The cordon around quake-damaged central Christchurch has been removed.

The area bounded by Worcester, St Asaph, Madras and Colombo streets had been closed since last weekend to ensure public safety after last Saturday's magnitude 7.1 earthquake.

Civil Defence Controller Peter Mitchell said members of the public should continue to exercise caution when entering the city centre.

Worcester, Manchester, Hereford, High, Cashel and Tuam streets remained partially closed.

$11m in appeal fund

 

The earthquake recovery fund now totals about $11 million - all of which will go to earthquake victims.

It includes $3.5m pledged to the Red Cross and the $5 million Government contribution to the mayoral fund - now combined in one fund.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said Fletcher Building had also given Christchurch City Council a $1m grant to go towards the protection and rebuilding of heritage buildings.

Patrols stepped up

Ten teams of police and army will patrol earthquake-stricken areas in Christchurch 24 hours a day to ward off burglars.

The extra patrols would give an "intense police presence" and will be on top of normal policing, Canterbury Superintendent Commander Dave Cliff said.

The teams consisting of two police and two army staff would deter burglars from taking advantage of empty houses and give reassurance to homeowners.

Police had stopped known burglars who wore hi-visibility vests to get into quake-affected areas so the extra patrols, many with dogs, would send a message to would-be thieves.

And a group who sought shelter at a welfare centre for earthquake victims had now been turned away after it was revealed there was no damage to their home.