"UPDATE 2 - Police response to earthquake"

Ten additional Police officers from Auckland will be on the ground in Kaikoura tonight following the earthquake this morning which was felt across much of the country.

The additional officers will provide support to the emergency response in the affected areas, as well as assist in general policing duties and community patrols to support the safety and wellbeing of the community. 

“Police are working hard alongside other agencies to maintain the safety and wellbeing of the public as best as possible given the circumstances.

We will continue to deploy staff to the affected areas as required,” said Assistant Commissioner Richard Chambers. 

Police encourage everyone in the community to look out for each other and check on their neighbours.

Police recognise that Kaikoura is isolated due to the earthquake with roads in and out of the area currently impassable.

Police are working with emergency services and Civil Defence, who are leading the response, to provide support to the community and locate those people who may be stranded.

Communications in the Marlborough area have been difficult, however networks are being restored currently.

If you know someone in the affected area and haven’t been able to make contact with them, please continue trying to make contact.

It is anticipated that communications in the area will improve when networks are restored.

The bodies of both people who have died following the earthquakes have been recovered and Police are working to inform next of kin.

ENDS

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