Christchurch in state of lockdown

A state of emergency has been declared following Tuesday's 6.3-scale earthquake in Christchurch, with the CBD being locked down for at least three days for all but emergency personnel. Visitors to the city were cared for at welfare centres before evacuation flights were launched, initially to Auckland and Wellington. Google has set up a person-finder website service which so far has more than 7000 records.

Christchurch venue managers VBase says all staff members have been sent home for three days. The company has no email, phones or power, and with the city evacuated has not been able to assess damage to its venues - Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall, CBS Canterbury Arena and AMI Stadium.

In a statement VBase explained "Christchurch Convention Centre; Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts; CBS Canterbury Arena; and AMI Stadium will be closed until at least 15th March 2011.

"During this time the implications of Tuesday's earthquake on staff, venues and events will be fully assessed.

"Preliminary assessments of the venues have confirmed structural damage to AMI Stadium; Christchurch Convention Centre and Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts. More detailed assessments are now required and will be completed over coming weeks.

"CBS Canterbury Arena sustained minor structural damage. This has been repaired as a priority to enable this facility to be available for Civil Defence needs if required.

"AMI Stadium has repairable structural damage, significant damage to fixtures and fittings and liquefaction impacts within the stadium including the playing surface. There is also substantial damage to surrounding streets and infrastructure."

As a result the Crusaders are considering options for the home games scheduled at AMI Stadium on 4th and 11th March. Crusaders Chief Executive Hamish Riach said "the Crusaders' preference is to keep those matches within the Franchise region if possible and the Crusaders, NZRU and SANZAR were currently working through the alternative venue options and logistical arrangements."

Vbase head office has relocated to CBS Canterbury Arena until further notice.

Image shows liquefaction at AMI Stadium.

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5th September 2010 - HERITAGE AND LEISURE BUILDINGS SUFFER IN CHRISTCHURCH QUAKE