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Clean up begins at the Supervalue in Sumner - Source: ONE News -
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Supermarkets in earthquake-ravaged Canterbury are open despite the distribution centres receiving significant damage.
Supplies are being shipped in from Auckland and direct from local suppliers to ensure that residents have access to essential foodstuffs.
All Countdown, SuperValue and FreshChoice supermarkets in the Canterbury region were disrupted by the earthquake but a mammoth cleanup effort by staff means the stores are now operational, and safe, following checks by a structural engineer.
Progressive Enterprises spokesman Richard Manaton said batteries and water are what need replenishing the most, with staff constantly monitoring stock levels. But he said there could be a slight delay due to stock coming from further afield.
Manaton said extra transport providers throughout the country have allowed supermarkets to keep up with demand.
Progressive, which owns three supermarkets chains, has donated $100,000 to the earthquake fund.
Donations are also being accepted at foodbanks set up at Countdown, Woolworths, Foodtown, SuperValue and FreshChoice stores throughout New Zealand.
Foodstuffs, which owns New World and Pak N Save, had some damage to its stores in Christchurch but made deliveries this morning.
All but one of its supermarkets are open. The store in Kaiapoi has been damaged and the surrounding area is devastated.
Demand for fuel is also high, but it's safety first at the petrol stations.
"It was just a case of when power came on to each area, once the tanks were checked, we then made sure the buildings were safe, the power supply was safe and then we could bring the sites back on," said Grey Hill, BP Retail Area Manager.
Water tankers stationed around Chch
Five water stations have been set up around Christchurch for those still without running water.
Water is available from tankers at the corner of Locksley Ave and McBratneys Rd in Dallington and Anzac Drive and Birch St in Bexley until 3pm and from 4pm-8pm tankers would be stationed at Central New Brighton School, Palmers Rd and Rocking Horse Rd in New Brighton.
Christchurch City Council said people should bring their own containers and boil the water for three minutes.
Bus services to resume
Bus services will resume around quake-ravaged Christchurch tomorrow, with commuters warned to expect delays.
Metro buses will run to normal weekday timetables, however the 51 to New Brighton and 480 to Kainga have been cancelled until further notice.
Central city services will operate from limited pick up and drop off points and some buses will deviate from their normal routes due to cordons and infrastructure damage.
Christchurch International Airport is fully operational.
