Christchurch Police focus on reassurance and safety

Christchurch Police are focusing on reassurance and public safety as the city reels from severe aftershocks this afternoon.

Acting District Commander Inspector John Price says the city has again proved resilient following the swarm of tremors that included a magnitude 5.8 shake at 1.58pm and a 6.0 at 3.18pm.

"Fortunately there have been no reports of serious or widespread damage or injury. No fatalities resulting from the aftershocks have been reported.

"Police and other emergency services responded rapidly as the afternoon's events unfolded.

"All available Police units were mobilised across the city to provide a high-visibility reassurance presence and check on safety and damage - especially out in the Eastern suburbs.

"That focus on reassurance will continue tomorrow. We will be working with CERA, the Fire Service, MSD and other agencies to coordinate a major door-knocking operation in the Eastern suburbs tomorrow to check on residents' safety and welfare.

"We urge residents to check on their neighbours and make sure people nearby are safe and well.

"Today's aftershocks will put added stress on people at what is already a stressful time of year. We hope people avoid adding too much alcohol into that mix - we don't need disorder and crime on top of today's events."

Inspector Price says Police were continuing to advise motorists to exercise caution on the roads.

"This was already a busy time of year, and there are indications that the volume of traffic heading out of town has been increasing steadily.

"During the afternoon we saw significant congestion across the city as people rushed to get home or check on friends and family.

"We continue to urge motorists to slow down and be patient."

Police say some new damage to roads has been reported in the Eastern suburbs, similar to what those areas have experienced previously.

Inspector Price says the Christchurch Central Police station is continuing to operate. The building has been checked twice this afternoon by engineers, and is safe to access.

As with previous earthquakes, floors above Level 4 currently have limited access until repairs have been made to superficial damage including fallen ceiling tiles and cracked infill panels.