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Extra police head out onto Christchurch streets - Source: ONE News -
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Dozens of police officers are continuing to keep watch in Christchurch, protecting the shattered city.
The officers were prepared for anything as most in the city tried to get some sleep last night after being woken early by the devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
Superintendent Dave Cliff said about 150 police officers worked around the city overnight, supported by six dog handlers.
"We want to make sure no one goes in to those areas because if there is an aftershock, which is likely, some debris could fall off those buildings and we don't want people hurt," Cliff said.
Canterbury police were supported by 80 Auckland officers who are assisting with general duties and recovery work.
Cordons divided the streets, cutting off broken buildings that are close to falling.
The city, usually packed with cars and people, was like a ghost town last night.
But just within the cordon it was far from quiet at Civil Defence headquarters where their main concern was ensuring the more than 200 quake victims in shelters across the city got some sleep.
Civil Defence spokesman Peter Mitchell said with aftershocks still continuing many people decided they didn't want to spend another night in their house.
Today the shakes are continuing, along with the cleanup, and police are urging people to stay out of the central city because of the ongoing danger from falling debris.
The Earthquake Commission said they had already received 2700 claims, with 350 involving houses people consider uninhabitable.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentgordy said on 2010-09-09 @ 13:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Im my 51 years on this earth I have never felt so pertrified..my first thoughts was we had been hit by a nuclear bomb and it was Armageddon. Never ever want to experience it again
schicken said on 2010-09-08 @ 19:15 NZDT: Report abusive post
I thought the same thing initially. However, another quake big enough to close or shift the cracks further is likely to be heard first and all the kids will most likely be fine. If a child does get swallowed up, I'm probably not going to have huge empathy for the media coverage or their parents, but until then, let the region have a little bit of fun. Education about health risks regarding contaminated water may be a good idea for all. :)
thinkaboutit said on 2010-09-06 @ 23:06 NZDT: Report abusive post
More great coverage tonight TVNZ especially highlighting the situation at individual community levels where people reported they felt abandoned. All credit to those organising themselves into community working groups at this level despite this. Arguably the recovery process would be greatly enhanced if these community groups were psychologically and practically supported by establishing official coordination centres at individual community levels.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
You're making some good points here. Perhaps some of the donations could be towards purchasing and setting up storage of these sorts of things. Individuals are also responsible for making their own preparations. I clean and keep old 3L juice bottles filled with water. Every now and then I water my house plants with one and refill it to refresh it.
Madeleine Ware said on 2010-09-06 @ 17:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
Why are they buying water? Aren't there several tankers about the city giving it away?