The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is classifying yesterday’s 6.0 aftershock in Christchurch as a new event for insurance purposes.

EQC Chief Executive Ian Simpson says the latest aftershock is keenly felt by his organisation.

“EQC will work hard to ensure that yesterday’s shocks won’t set back the work of settling claims and making repairs.

“The work will continue and this hardens our resolve to get the job done.”

People who have new, or worsened, damage as a result of yesterday’s event will need to lodge a new claim with EQC and have three months in which to lodge their claim.

The deadline for claims for this event is 13 September, 2011.

Today’s event brings to 12 the number of earthquake events classified for insurance purposes, including the original earthquake on 4 September 2010.