0715hrs Saturday 24 December 2011

Media Release


Public Information Update #4

Liquefaction, rockfall and water supply are the main areas of concern following yesterday’s cluster of aftershocks in Christchurch.

Large deposits of liquefaction have been identified in the following areas:
• Bexley, in the area between the Avon River and Anzac Drive, and around Horseshoe Lake
• Avondale
• Drake Street, Sinclair Street and Brighton Road
• Waygreen Avenue, Terrelle Street, Willryan and Rebecca avenues
• Belair Close, Vivian Street, Rockwood Avenue, Tedder Avenue and Endeavour Street
• Pinewood, Flemington, Ascot and Bower avenues, and
• Crofts Lane.

Pegasus Avenue and Branksome Place have suffered major liquefaction and sewage leaks.

People are reminded to stay away from the Port Hills unless they live there, or need to be there. Rock fall remains a potential hazard in hill areas, including Rapaki Track which was re-opened for public use yesterday morning, before this recent cluster of aftershocks.

As at 10 o’clock last night, Orion reported that there were less than 400 homes without power, and that the power supply to New Brighton remained fragile.

All water and wastewater pump stations have power and are operative. Most houses should have water supply, except for those in the Sumner area due to a break in the water supply at the causeway overnight. Crews are now working to restore the water supply to Sumner and it is expected this will be restored by 10am, or water made available from tankers. Residents in other areas who do not have water should phone the call centre on 941 8999 / 0800 800 169. Tankers will be deployed to areas without water supply as necessary.

The wastewater treatment plant is fully operational.
Water pressure is being maintained, and there is no need to boil water.
Ten water crews, 15 wastewater crews and 21 jetting crews and subcontractors are ready to start repairs and clear silt from roads and sewers across the city
The bus system continues to operate across the city, as usual.

Welfare

The welfare centre set up at Windsor Primary School last night had two people staying overnight. Key welfare staff are on standby around the city.

Over the next few days Council-run or supported events will go ahead as planned. The free YMCA Carols by Candlelight is still on tonight (Saturday 24 December) at 9-10pm at Hagley Park North. See bethere.co.nz for more information.

Help available

Anyone who is feeling distressed or overwhelmed by the aftershocks and needs extra help to cope with the situation can call the Canterbury Support Line on 0800 777 846 between 8am - 11pm seven days a week, including Christmas Day.

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