Council identifies quake repairs, DHB gives advice

Freshly fallen bricks at the Community of the Sacred Name on Madras Street in central Christchurch after a series of aftershocks hit the city on Boxing Day. Photo / Simon Baker

Health services are offering advice on coping with anxiety after violent aftershocks shook Christchurch on Boxing Day and early today, while inspectors work to identify buildings needing new repairs in heart of the city.

Inspectors have checked more than 3000 of 5000 buildings within the "four avenues" that surround the centre of the city and have so far identified 115 buildings in need of remedial work.

Deputy Mayor Ngaire Button told NZPA the Cashel Street mall was unlikely to open tomorrow but the council was working hard to reopen the area.

"It depends on business owners and building owners and how quickly they can get their engineers in and do the remediation work that is required," she said.

Getting tradespeople may be difficult during the summer holiday period "but everyone knows somebody", she said.

"We are making sure that the buildings are safe."

A section of Poplar Lane was closed today and people were evacuated for a short time when the parapet of one building was judged to be in danger of collapse but the area has been secured and people are moving through the bar and restaurant quarter.

"People are in the city today and they are still going out for their lattes," Ms Button said.

"People are relying on advice from us, and police about where it is safe to go and where it isn't," she said.

Canterbury District Health Board today reminded people that it was normal to feel anxious as the aftershocks continue and said it was important to get regular sleep and exercise.

Canterbury DHB acting chief executive Mary Gordon said that one way of coping with anxiety and stress was to talk to friends and family.

People who want to speak to someone about their concerns can telephone the earthquake support and counselling services on 0800 777 846.

"Anyone who feels they need to seek medical treatment should telephone their general practice in the first instance - unless it is an emergency," she said.

Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department should be kept for emergencies only.

The Earthquake Commission (EQC) has received 150 new claims.

EQC chief executive Ian Simpson said the current spate of aftershocks would not be treated as part of September 4's 7.1 magnitude quake.

"That means that people whose property was damaged by the quakes will have three months to lodge their claim and there is no need to rush home to check if they are away," Mr Simpson said.

The biggest tremor measuring magnitude 4.9 shook the city at 10.30am yesterday causing shoppers to flee as bricks and mortar crashed from buildings. Around two dozen aftershocks were felt within the space of 36 hours.

- NZPA