Death rates among elderly Cantabrians have spiked since the February 22 earthquake, especially for senior citizens forced to evacuate their homes.
"54 of about 300 people that were moved out of the city have died,'' Canterbury DHB spokeswoman Amy Mills said.
About 520 people in total were moved from care facilities following the quake.
Out of that group, 104 people died, including 50 evacuees who died within Christchurch.
Those elderly evacuees kept within Christchurch have suffered even higher mortality rates than people sent to live outside the province. The mortality figures come from DHB meeting papers and show higher than average death rates since the quake.
