The Canterbury earthquake seems to have left some damages on the victims that are far more than the physical ones, but scientists are warning that it would not do anybody any good to start freaking out. It is important that the victims should not go anxious, first for their children and second for their community.

An Emeritus Professor at School of Psychology, Victoria University said that the reactions should be sensible. Professor Tony Taylor, who is specialized in the field of human reactions to disasters, stated that the victims who go through this kind of psychological stresses exhibit some symptoms as loss of appetite and the inability to sleep.

He added, "They can be there in their clarity in the early phases, but after a month, after two or three months, they will disappear. In many cases, people will emerge more confident and stronger having gone through such an experience”.

Professor Taylor said that it would be vital if the victims would direct their anger and anxiety towards a positive deed that would make the entire experience ‘triumphant’.

According to the Minister of Civil Defense, John Carter, 80% of the residents would be just fine, whereas the other 20% would be better by time and through some specialized help.