14 November 2016

Red Cross Launches Emergency Appeal to Help Quake-Affected Areas

Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to support communities affected by the strong earthquakes this morning.

People can donate to Red Cross’ November 2016 Earthquake Appeal at redcross.org.nz/donate/.

Donations will help Red Cross respond and to support affected communities.

Red Cross is currently responding in quake-affected communities. Red Cross’ Disaster Welfare and Support Teams are providing support to the worst affected communities in Kaikoura and Marlborough. Team members have travelled from as far away as Waikato to help. Red Cross has provided portaloos, water supplies and radio communications in Ward, where several homes are damaged, and teams have been going door-to-door to check on residents. Red Cross has also set up a Civil Defence centre in Blenheim in the early hours of this morning.

Water has been identified as an urgent need and Red Cross will distribute water bladders and tap stands where needed.

Red Cross is also talking with the Christchurch City Council to find out what support is needed in the city. A Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Truck, capable of providing shelter and food for up to 150 people, is en route to the city from Dunedin.

Secretary General Tony Paine is urging Kiwis to stay up to date with latest information from Civil Defence and to look out for each other.

New Zealand Red Cross donates 100% of special appeal donations to the emergency response on the ground.

Red Cross spokesperson Gemma Snowdon will be on the ground in Blenheim from 6pm and will be available for interviews.

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