A state of emergency remains in place in Gisborne today, as another quake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale shook the area this morning. (Yahoo Xtra News)
Buildings were left partially collapsed, roofs caved in, water tanks and winery vats burst and gaping holes appeared in roadways, after an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the region on Thursday night.
GNS Science reported another earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale shook the area about 11.30am today, 30km south-east of Gisborne at a depth of 30km. There were no early reports of further damage.
A Gisborne District Council spokesman said the state of emergency in the city would be reviewed later this afternoon.
Gisborne's CBD was opened for business today and residents packed into city streets this morning to make up for the day's shopping lost to the quake.
Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon told NZPA this morning all buildings had been classified and the CBD was now open to traffic and pedestrians, with some areas cordoned off.
Twenty-three businesses could not be entered and another 49 had been granted limited access.
About 70 percent of shops would be operating today, he said.
