New Zealand Hit by Further Tremors

The New Zealand city of Christchurch has been hit by a series of earthquakes on Monday, almost four months after the earthquake which killed 181 people.

The most powerful tremor measured at magnitude 6.0 and led to the evacuation of shopping centres, office blocks and Christchurch airport. Five tremors of magnitude 4.3 or greater were recorded from 0029 GMT.

So far, no fatalities have been reported and New Zealand’s Civil Defence has said that 10 people suffered minor injuries. Two people have been rescued from a damaged church but no one else is believed to be trapped, according to Reuters. It has been reported that the power supplies to 50,000 houses were cut, as well as damage to roads and buildings.

The mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, warned residents to expect further tremors. “It will be a restless night. It's pretty realistic to expect overnight we will have some more aftershocks," he said.

Efforts are still being undertaken to rebuild parts of the city of Christchurch following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake on February 22. Prime Minister John Key acknowledged that these tremors were a “setback” in terms of recovery efforts, but maintained that: “It does not lessen our resolve to rebuild.”

He added: "It's another blow to the Christchurch residents, who have already endured so much. The people of Christchurch should know that all New Zealanders are thinking of them and will continue to support and stand by them at this very difficult time.”

Meanwhile, an inquiry into the collapse of one of the buildings destroyed by the February 22 earthquake opened on Monday. Approximately 10,000 houses and almost 1,000 commercial buildings will have to be demolished as a result of February’s quake. Recovery and reconstruction costs are expected to total at least NZ$15bn (£7bn).

By Sarah Hill

[Image courtesy of British Red Cross]