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Gisborne was this morning jolted by a magnitue 4.8 aftershock, just as officials considered whether to lift the state of emergency imposed after Thursday's massive quake.
Today's aftershock was centred 30km south-east of Gisborne at a depth of 30km.
It took place at 11.35am as officials gathered to review the emergency, which will now remain in place until at least 5pm.
An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the region on Thursday night leaving buildings partially collapsed, roofs caved in, burst water tanks and winery vats and gaping holes in roadways.
Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon said this morning all buildings had been classified and the CBD was now open to traffic and pedestrians, with some areas cordoned off.
Twenty-three businesses could not be entered and another 49 had been granted limited access.
About 70 per cent of shops would be operating today, he said.
The clean up was continuing today, but some places were still awaiting insurance adjusters who were heading in from out of town, Mr Foon said.
About half a dozen people had required emergency housing and were staying at the council's motor park, he said.
Gisborne had suffered many civil defence disasters, including 11 tsunamis, and everything had been running like clockwork, Mr Foon said.
"Not that we're a disaster place, but we're experts in civil defence.
"...Our community is in good heart and we're going to have a good Christmas and life will go on."
The Earthquake Commission (EQC) had received 570 claims by 5pm yesterday, insurance manager Lance Dixon said. There were likely to be several thousand claims totalling up to $30 million.
Gisborne Civil Defence controller Peter Higgs called for patience in the CBD this morning as pedestrians and traffic make their way back into the area.
"Everyone has been really patient and co-operative during this time and we ask motorists to continue being careful and courteous."
An engineer and council building inspector would be in each block to advise and assist retailers and business owners.
Peel Street remained closed between Gladstone and Palmerston roads, but businesses outside the cordon had been operating normally, Mr Higgs said.
Anyone with inquiries relating to the earthquake could ring 0800 779 997. WINZ offices would be open this morning from 10am until 3pm.
The quake hit about 8.55pm, centred 50km offshore southeast of Gisborne at a depth of 40km. It was followed yesterday morning by aftershocks measuring 4.2 and 4.5 on the Richter Scale.
Gisborne District Council public information manager Vance Walker said there had been 16 reported injuries.
The council confirmed one elderly woman died of a suspected heart attack around the time the quake struck.
The Ministry of Social Development was contacting all pensioners within the area to check on their welfare. Anyone with concerns should call 0800 779 997.
Insurance Council chief executive Chris Ryan said insurance assessors were assessing damage, which included structural damage to commercial properties, broken windows and damaged fireplaces.
"While no estimates for the cost of this earthquake have been established yet, it's now clear losses for insured people from this latest Gisborne quake will be significantly less than the 1987 Bay of Plenty earthquake near Edgecumbe which, on inflation-adjusted terms, would have cost $391 million for insured New Zealanders alone," Mr Ryan said.
- NZPA / NEWSTALK ZB
