New claims heard after 5.3 magnitude aftershock

Christchurch residents will be able to make new insurance claims for property damage sustained in a 5.3 aftershock. Photo / Simon Baker

Christchurch residents will be able to make new insurance claims for property damage sustained in a 5.3 magnitude aftershock on April 16.

The Earthquake Commission this morning announced the aftershock would be classed as a new event.

Those who suffered damage to their property from the quake would be able to lodge a new claim up until a deadline of July 18, the commission said.

Civil Defence ordered the demolition of the Strategy Building in Victoria Street after the April 16 aftershock.

Some suburbs received new liquefaction damage, while houses in the Lyttelton, Redcliffe, Mt Pleasant and Estuary Road areas went without water due to burst water pipes.