Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
In the wake of this week's massive 7.8 earthquake, the New Zealand adage "she'll be right" needs to become "she'll be prepared right".
The latest prediction from GNS is that there's a 30 percent chance of another quake between magnitude 7.0 and 7.8 in the next month.
It's almost certain there will be aftershocks of between 6.0 and 6.9.
Earthquake scientists at GNS are not ruling out the possibility the recent seismic activity will trigger an earthquake larger than Monday's.
If a large quake strikes off the coast it could generate a tsunami.
The bad weather in Canterbury is adding to concerns.
Heavy rainfall overnight has been filling up lakes caused by landslides.
There are fears a large dam created on the Hapuku River could burst, and a nearby camping ground has been evacuated.
Twenty other people in southern Marlborough have also been moved because dams along the Ure River, about an hour south of Blenheim, could also burst or overflow.
All rivers between Awatere and Hurunui could contain landslide dams and should be considered high risk areas.
And further aftershocks are likely to trigger more landslides.
Emergency services near Courtenay Place in Welligton's CBD. Photo: RNZ / Aaron Smale
In Wellington, Emergency services are aware of the risk of another earthquake and are "ready to go".
Ten buildings around Reading Cinemas on Courtenay Place remain cordoned off.
A 10-storey building in Thorndon needs to be demolished.
HMNZS Canterbury arrives in Wellington Photo: RNZ/Rebekah Parsons-King
HMNZS Canterbury is returning to Kaikoura this morning with more supplies for the quake-struck region.
Warships from Australia, Canada and the United States, with about 660 sailors and four helicopters between them, are also on hand to help
Vital supplies traveling to Kaikoura on a convoy of 27 trucks are poised to leave Culverden as soon as they can.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
So how to stay safe if there's another big shake?
During a quake, drop, cover and hold.
If you feel a long or strong earthquake and you are on the coast, evacuate immediately.
This weekend if you haven't already:
- Get together your emergency survival items
- Create an emergency plan for your family
- Have a getaway kit in case you have to leave in a hurry
- Take the time to check on family, neighbours and anyone who might be feeling isolated and alone
