Much of Christchurch and its surrounding towns remain in shut down mode while the area is made safe after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on Saturday.

According to Radio New Zealand workers in the central city are being told not to go to work and city buses are cancelled.

Dozens of aftershocks are still being felt in the area as people confront the massive task of cleaning up after New Zealand's most damaging quake since the Napier disaster in 1931.

Police Superintendent Dave Cliff said it is still too risky for people to be in the central city because of unstable bricks, masonry and glass.

As buildings are given the all clear, he said the cordon blocking the central city will be gradually reduced.

Despite the widespread damage no one was killed by the earthquake.


Story by: Ana Naisoro