Christchurch City Council MEDIA UPDATE - 1pm

Water is available from tankers at Parkview School and the Linwood Welfare Centre at Linwood College. People are asked to take a large container, such as a bucket, to collect the water.

Everyone is asked to continue to boil water for at least three minutes before drinking it, including the water collected from tankers.

There are still significant issues with the sewage system, so everyone is asked to keep toilet flushes to a minimum. A decision will be made later today on whether schools in Christchurch will reopen tomorrow. The principal of St Paul's School in Dallington has said that school will not reopen until Tuesday 7 September.

People who require assistance regarding welfare issues can call 0800 77 9997. The number previously issued, 0800 WELFARE directs people to call the Ministry of Social Development number of 0800 77 9997.

Assessment is currently being undertaken on whether damaged buildings in the central city can be reoccupied. Building assessors are currently working through the process of placing stickers on buildings to indicate if they are safe for use or not.

People whose homes or buildings are damaged, but are safe to enter, need to contact their insurer to deal with removing and repairing the damaged areas.

The Fire Service does have sufficient water in most of the city, and have tankers available in the areas currently without water.

The Police are asking people to stay out of the central city area which is cordoned off. There is still a great deal of broken glass and loose debris. They will be reassessing the cordon later today, and reducing the affected area gradually.

The British High Commission have asked British visitors affected by the earthquake who require consular assistance should first refer to our website at:

http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en/

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

Those British visitors who require more immediate consular assistance should call the British High Commission emergency number which is 04 924 2898.

Members of the public seeking information should contact the council's call centre on 941 8999. Media can contact the media liaison team on 027 241 0244.

There will be a media briefing at the Christchurch Art Gallery at 3pm.

ENDS

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