Work and Income staff calling elderly people living alone in Christchurch following Tuesday's devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake have only been able to get hold of about a third of them, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says. So far 10,234 calls have been made and 3311 people have answered those calls. ``We've neededto send emergency help and home visits to a small number of people, though most are actually coping very well,'' Ms Bennett said. ``Clearly, whether people need immediate assistance, a home visit later, information about what to do or just a friendly voice to talk to, it's vital we continue checking on those elderly living alone.'' About 50 elderly people have been referred to welfare centres. Welfare centres are operating in Burnside High School, Cowles Stadium, Pioneer Stadium and Rangiora Baptist Church. ``People who have been displaced can go to these centres where they will find food, water and a bed if they need it,'' Ms Bennett said.
