Wet weather and aftershocks increase rockfall risk

7:48 am on 10 July 2011

Christchurch City Council is warning that recent wet weather and continued aftershocks are increasing the risk of rockfalls in the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula areas.

The council says some areas have been fenced off and signs erected to warn of the danger, but it is warning walkers and boaties to stay clear of all coastal cliffs because the wet conditions have increased the likelihood of slips.

Meanwhile, the council is reviewing the status of about 500 properties in the Port Hills.

They received red stickers after the February tremor, but those are due to expire on Tuesday.

The council says it is likely most of the affected properties will remain out-of-bounds for the public and new notices to that effect will be put up.

Council Regulation Manager, Peter Mitchell says experts have been called in to ensure the process of reviewing the red stickers conforms to international best practice.

He says the council is still awaiting geotechnical reports before it can decide whether or not people can return to live in their homes.