Strong winds that were set to hit Christchurch this afternoon did not eventuate, but residents are warned that they should secure loose roofs and beware of the threat of falling masonry.

The devastating 6.3 magnitude Christchurch quake that struck yesterday afternoon has left dozens of people dead, and many more unaccounted for.

As the Government commits itself to rebuilding earthquake-ravaged Christchurch, it is looking at costs running into tens of billions with an economic impact that will last for years.

Prime Minister John Key today announced those put out of work by last week's deadly earthquake will be eligible for subsidies of $400 per week.

Police have evacuated 200 properties in the exclusive Christchurch suburbs of Redcliff and Clifton Hills after cracks appeared in cliffs above the houses.

The bodies recovered after last Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch will be released to families as soon as possible and are being treated with respect in the meantime, the Chief Coroner says.

The short life of five-month-old Baxtor Gowland has been celebrated at a funeral in upper Riccarton this afternoon. A family friend said he'd be laid to rest next to his grandfather.

Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Matty Beaumont was equally at home.

Father-of-two Owen Morris Wright survived the initial earthquake of February 22, 2011, but was tragically killed in a rock fall during an aftershock near his home several hours later.

Police have named two more people confirmed dead in last Tuesday's magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

The Canterbury SPCA has taken in more than 150 pets from people displaced by the earthquake and has promised to care for them until they can be taken back.

A distraught wife has left her husband after telling him he did not pick her up quickly enough after the earthquake.

Adrian Marsh thought he was dead after he was crushed by slabs of concrete when the Smiths City carpark collapsed around him.

Christchurch's devastating 6.3 earthquake is thought to have been caused by the rupturing of a single fault.

The Eden Park Trust Board is offering to provide a home game for the Crusaders.

Christchurch can be rebuilt in a way that buildings would withstand very strong earthquakes in the future, Prime Minister John Key says.

Thousands of Christchurch's 350,000 inhabitants have left in droves, flying, driving, even walking away, with no plans to return any time soon.