Dannevirke: Big quake scared Counciller Warren Davison

Warren Davidson talks to police in Eketahuna after Monday's magnitude 6.2 earthquake.

Monday's earthquake was scary and terrifying, said Tararua District councillor Warren Davidson.

Mr Davidson, a southern ward councillor, who lives east of Eketahuna told the Dannevirke News the 6.2 magnitude earthquake on Monday afternoon had left his home in "a hell of a mess".

"Everything was thrown on to the floor and we've lost treasured wedding presents in the quake which was extremely intense, with immense shaking," he said.

"We were lucky we had some helpers who came in straightaway and helped us clean up before we went to bed."

The Davidson's home also suffered water damage and there have been a few other header tank problems for residents in the district.

"We've had some damage to our community water scheme as well, with connections sheared off under the force of the earthquake," Mr Davidson said. "There has also been substantial damage to covered yards and fencing around the district from falling limestone boulders."

With residents nerves on edge, Mr Davidson said he was relieved there had been fewer aftershocks on Tuesday night.

In Dannevirke, the BNZ had been given the all-clear to open, external relations consultant Thor Bostelmann said. "Engineers have given the building the okay and it's business as usual."

The Earthquake Commission had received more than 650 claims since the earthquake on Monday, national operations manager, Barry Searle said.

"Once we get a better idea of the likely numbers we're dealing with, then we will mobilise assessors to inspect earthquake damage," he said. "People need to hold on to damaged items, other than perishables.

"Claims are still coming in so it's too early to say when we'll get to customers, but we will keep them up to date through advertising and on our website www.eqc.govt.nz."

People who suffered damage to their home, land or contents from the Eketahuna earthquake have until the end of the day on Tuesday, April 22, to lodge their claim with the commission.

People can claim on line at eqc.govt.nz/claims or call 0800 DAMAGE (326 243) or email info@eqc.govt.nz. EQC covers earthquake damage to homes (up to $100,000 + GST), contents (up to $20,000 + GST) and a defined area of residential land. You must have had fire insurance on the home and contents at the time of the event to make a claim.