New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission (EQC) has started processing a small number of claims from an April 9 earthquake on the southern outskirts of Canterbury, though none of the reported damage presents an immediate risk.

The shallow 4.3 magnitude earthquake, at a depth of 5km, was the most widely felt in quite some time in Canterbury and triggered almost 9000 reports from residents.

So far, 24 homeowners have lodged a claim for damage, EQC Deputy CEO Renée Walker says. Most were from the Christchurch area.

These homeowners have been able to use automated processes in EQC’s claims system which came online at the start of 2020, providing event response teams with real-time information.

“We are focused on being better prepared for the next big event, based on all the lessons we have learned since the Canterbury earthquakes [in 2010/11],” Ms Walker said. “By automating parts of the claims process, our settlement teams will be freed up from administrative tasks.”

EQC continues to operate during the COVID-19 lockdown in line with Level 4 Alert requirements, with all staff working from home to keep claim lodgement channels open and claims continuing to be managed and settled.

Onsite assessments or repairs can only be conducted if there is an immediate risk of injury or illness.