Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management Media release #8 15 November 2016, 7.30pm

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management says a national support effort is continuing following yesterday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Kaikoura.

A local state of emergency has been declared in Canterbury this afternoon, and the Ministry is working closely with government agencies to ensure communities and local CDEM groups have the resources they need.

“Our top priority continues to be the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the earthquake,” says Civil Defence Emergency Management Director Sarah Stuart-Black.

“With Canterbury declaring a local state of emergency, we are able to mobilise collective force of the region to provide communities with the support they need.”

Staff from local Civil Defence groups are on the ground in Hurunui, Kaikoura and Marlborough, going door-to-door to assess what people need and visiting them in their homes.

Local authorities are also meeting people who have been evacuated from Kaikoura to Woodend.

“We know that water, food and fuel are required in Kaikoura, Hurunui and Marlborough, and we’re coordinating relief supplies and transport to get those essentials in.

“We are working with government agencies to provide the right level of support to Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups. In particular we are coordinating with the New Zealand Fire Service, New Zealand Police and the New Zealand Defence Force to make sure groups get what they need.”

NZ Defence Force NH90 helicopters have been deployed to transport staff and resources to communities in the Hurunui and Kaikoura districts, and assist with evacuations. The HMNZS Canterbury and HMNZS Wellington are en route to Canterbury to assist in the response.

Urban Search and Rescue teams, together with Civil Defence, Police, Red Cross staff and building inspectors have also been deployed. Welfare centres are open in the district. GNS Science have landslide specialists gathering information about the landslides and land stability.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is reminding people to stay safe and continue to be prepared for further aftershocks. People are asked to follow the advice of local Civil Defence groups and stay informed through media and social media reports.

“It’s heartening to see so many people help their loved ones, neighbours, friends and others in need.

“We are also getting lots of requests from generous members of the public wanting to donate goods to people in need. At this stage, civil defence teams are unable to receive these, but we are very grateful for the support,” Ms Stuart-Black says. “Aftershocks will to continue. Remember to drop, cover and hold. It stops you being knocked over, makes you a smaller target and protects your organs. Do not run outside or stand in doorways.”

For the most detailed and up to date information about Kaikoura follow Canterbury Civil Defence through their website or social media. Offers of support from throughout the country should be made to local Civil Defence offices.

Important advice:  Expect aftershocks and remember to drop, cover and hold.

 Look after yourself and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.

 Building assessments should be done before buildings are opened for normal use, particularly in areas which experienced strong shaking such as the CBD areas of Wellington, Christchurch and Blenheim.

 Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines. Stay out of damaged areas.

 Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.

 Do not overload phone lines with non-emergency calls. Text friends and family to see if they are OK.

Public Information Management National Crisis Management Centre

Media Enquires 04 494 6951 @NZCivilDefence Facebook/NZGetThru www.civildefence.govt.nz

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