An earthquake-damaged Christchurch house is being demolished to stop it tumbling down a 40-metre cliff onto the road below.
The house has been vacant for two years. Photo: RNZ
The house in the suburb of Redcliffs has been deserted since the February 2011 quake.
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority was alerted to the danger posed by the two-storied house last week by a member of the public.
It has been monitoring the property since.
A spokesperson for the authority said on Monday a series of small quakes and heavy rain over the past few days have made the situation worse and it was decided to carry out a controlled demolition.
One resident was told to leave her house and is expected to be allowed back later on Monday night once the demolition has been completed.
