Its now more than 4 months since the earth moved for us here in the south.EQC has closed off claims from the initial shake with 130 000 applications entered. Many people have entered claims ¨just in case' as damage is showing up gradually in many houses. Most of the very badly effected have been contacted though, not all are sure of what the final decision will be as to whether their properties will be rebuilt or re-leveled.
Much of the information is contridictory which leads to extra stress for families.
Members are still living in some badly effected homes as other accommodation is hard to find and most are reluctant to leave the family home until they are certain as to what is happening. For many, this may not be for a number of years.

 The streets are slowly being cleared of rubble with about half of the buildings that were cordoned, now demolished. Those in the photos in update two are now mainly ¨car parks¨ although many of the major streets in the city centre are still completely blocked. This has created problems for appliance response especially from city station as these barricades lead to some major diversions.
  Shakes in the 4-5 range are now much fewer although many of the smaller shakes are very shallow and right under the city which makes them feel worse than they really are.
  We remind any members effected that they just need to ask and we will endevour to assist in any way we can.
Thanks. Kevin Crozier R5 Bd Rep NZFFWS