7.1 quake: Key information

What's working, what isn't and what to do after the destructive 7.1 earthquake in Canterbury.

POWER

Power was initially down across most of the city. By late morning, power had returned to most of New Brighton and Dallington, as well as Christchurch Airport and Christchurch Hospital, lines company Orion said. Ninety per cent of the city was expected to have their electricity restored by nightfall.

WATER

Water and sewage have been affected in several regions. Some outlying areas are still without water. Residents should conserve water. All Selwyn residents are being asked to conserve water, but especially in Rolleston. Rolleston water supply is contaminated. Minimise water use, e.g. flushing toilets. There are also concerns the sewerage system may have been damaged.

HOSPITALS

Christchurch hospital is running on generator power. Burwood Hospital is without water. St John Ambulance services were fully functioning but medical alarm users were urged not to activate their alarms unless they were injured or unwell. Residents with minor injuries need to go to 24-hour surgeries for treatment rather than the hospital. Alternatively, people need to help each other treat minor injuries.

PHONE LINES

Cellular networks are being restored to normal with both generator and mains power, but users are still be urged to stay off their cellphones unless they need to make essential calls.

Cellular networks began to run out of power as batteries went flat after the earthquake led to widespread power cuts.

The batteries at many cellular sites had from three to eight hours life after the power was cut and both Telecom and Vodafone said although the networks did not crash, they immediately encouraged people to stay off their cellphones.

Some cellular calls were affected but both major cellphone companies said the networks generally performed well.

ROADS

About five per cent of buildings in central Christchurch have been damaged and streets are littered with the rubble of building facades.

Many minor bridges have been damaged but all major bridges and road transport routes are okay. The surface of Avonside Drive, in eastern Christchurch, has a huge crack across it

In other areas roads have been blocked by debris after several buildings collapsed onto the streets, leaving their interiors visible and the central city resembling a war zone.

Inner-city Christchurch will be closed until Sunday while civil defence assess the damage to buildings. No businesses or bars will be open and no-one other than residents will be allowed in.

Police will man cordons within the Montreal Street, Kilmore Street, Madras Street and St Asaph Street area overnight.

FOOD

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has asked people:

* minimise food and water spoilage

* ensure food is safe

* focus on hygiene

* use safe cooking and washing water

AIRPORT

Christchurch airport will be operational and re-open at 1.30pm. Contact your airline prior to travel to check the flight schedule.

FARMS

Federated Farmers is reporting a backlog at the Synlait factory, where a power outage has seen lines jammed. Several tankers have had to be re-directed.

A milk vat and milking platform near Burnham have been damaged, and several grain silos near Darfield are also damaged.

CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY

Canterbury University has closed its campus for one week.

The university reports no injuries but it needs to assess the campus for health and safety problems.

It expects to re-open the campus on Monday 13 September.

More information at www.canterbury.ac.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News