Scientists have given reassurance to weary Christchurch residents that the worst of the earthquakes is likely to be over.
On day two of public hearings for the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission of Inquiry today, experts said the evidence showed that the quakes that have plagued the city since September last year are historically rare. However they cautioned there are still unknowns.
The commission is investigating why buildings failed in the Christchurch quakes, including the February quake that claimed 182 lives, and how to prevent such a tragedy happening again.
Statistical modelling as of last month presented by GNS Science showed that there was roughly a 14 per cent chance of another quake in the range of magnitude 6 over the following year.
It is the quakes over magnitude 6, such as that in February, have caused the death and widespread destruction in Christchurch.