Strong aftershocks and gale-force winds have hampered a clean-up operation in Christchurch following New Zealand's most damaging earthquake in 80 years.
Christchurch and a large surrounding area of rural towns and farms on South Island were struck by the magnitude 7.1 quake early on yesterday morning.
The quake brought down power lines, ripped up roads, smashed water and sewage pipes, and wrecked building facades.
There were no deaths and only a few serious injuries.
Initial estimates for the cost of earthquake damage have been put at around NZ$2bn (€1.12bn).
Prime Minister John Key said that the Earthquake Commission, a state disaster insurance fund, has sufficient assets to be able to cover claims.
Some of the city's large public facilities including major bridges, the airport, university and a sports stadium which will host games at next year's Rugby World Cup, appear to have suffered only superficial damage.
A state of emergency remains in force throughout the region and the central business district of Christchurch is closed.
All schools in Christchurch and some surrounding areas hit by the massive quake are to be closed until at least Wednesday as engineers are making essential structural checks.
Civil Defence Minister John Carter said the UN and the US have offered assistance, but it has been turned down as the country could cope.
The Christchurch City Council said around 500 buildings have been damaged, with more than 90 in the centre.
Aftershocks, the strongest measuring magnitude 5.1, continue to send lose bricks and masonry crashing into the streets.
Winds gusting up to 130km/ph are also forecast, raising fears that weakened buildings will be further damaged or collapse.
Nearly 300 people displaced from their houses are staying in emergency centres, and around 1,000 are being fed by welfare groups.
Power has been restored to 95% of the region and water to 80%, although water was still not safe to drink because of contamination from broken sewage pipes.
