Media Release

11 July 2007 1pm

Civil defence advice for Thames/Coromandel

The following is an update on the civil defence situation in the Thames and Coromandel areas following strong wind and heavy rain.

The Director of the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, John Hamilton, said that any people requiring welfare assistance (e.g. accommodation, non-emergency medical issues, food, etc) should telephone 0800 779 997.

- Power is expected to be off in the Thames and Coromandel areas until about midday Thursday. Treat all power lines as live.

- Because power is out, people must think carefully about their medical needs, particularly where they are dependent on electricity. They are urged to make arrangements with either St Johns Ambulance or Thames Hospital before nightfall.

- Do not go to Thames Hospital unless it is an emergency as it is running on generator power.

- People should check on their neighbours, especially if there are elderly people who might need assistance.

- Also because of the power cuts, petrol and gas are not currently available. People must make other arrangements for heating and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

- Roads: The State Highway loop is closed from Tapu to Coromandel. The remainder of the State Highway loop is open but extreme caution is required. Some local roads are closed and some are reduced to only one lane, particularly north of Coromandel. Keep off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Mr Hamilton said that the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) was activated yesterday to monitor the northern North Island and to be available to provide central government assistance if necessary.

The Thames Coromandel District Council has activated its civil defence emergency operations centres (EOC).

ENDS

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