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A landslip crushes buildings in Sumner - Source: Getty Images -
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GNS Science says there is still a real risk of landslides in Christchurch's hillside suburbs.
Engineering geologist Grant Dellow said experts are examining a number of issues in the hills - including horizontal and vertical cracks, as well as loose boulders.
He said the restoration of water to some areas is also causing problems.
"Because the water mains are broken, water has been leaking into landslides and further destabilising them," said Dellow.
"We've already come across this situation, we're asking for the water to be turned off again because it's increasing the risk of a landslide falling catastrophically."
Properties in the Port Hills area were being inspected yesterday after around 200 houses were evacuated following the earthquake.
Dellow said some residents could be out of their homes for months.
Properties will be issued with a red placard it they are deemed unsafe for residents to return to.
Enough temporary accommodation
Meanwhile, the government said it is confident there is enough safe land for Christchurch residents to be housed on temporarily.
Housing Minister Phil Heatley is looking at a range of options for temporary housing, from mobile homes to cabins.
The main reason people are displaced is because of unstable or unliveable land, but Heatley said there are enough safe areas around the city.
"We believe so at this stage to meet what we foresee the demand to be in the next month, but demand will increase over time, we know that. And then it will peak as people move in and use the accommodation and move out and free it up for others."
Requests for proposals for housing temporary cabin accommodation will go out over the next few weeks.
- With Newstalk ZB
