Christchurch closed due to earthquake – Rain, winds and aftershocks continue

City Centre and other offices will remain closed on Monday in Christchurch. Aftershocks after Saturday's 7.1-magnitude earthquake were around 5.0 magnitudes stronger. Heavy winds and aftershocks continue to disturb the region.

More than 500 buildings have been destroyed. Schools and buses will not run until Wednesday. The University of Canterbury campus is currently secured and closed to staff and students until Monday September 13. Karen Sewell, from the Ministry of Education, says the school closures are in the best interests of safety and continued assessment of school property.

"This allows more time for structural assessment of school buildings and grounds."
Due to Safety reasons, a curfew will once again be in place from 7pm in the shellshocked central business district following yesterday's devastating earthquake.

90 buildings in the CBD are damaged. In various buildings, colored signs are placed. Green means there is no restriction on occupancy, Yellow means entry is restricted only to essential business and Red buildings are unsafe to enter. Civil Defence Minister John Carter said “Safety was the most important factor for emergency staff in Canterbury.”