25 August 2008 – 4.15 pm.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

MEDIA STATEMENT

Kaikoura Update

Heavy showers persist in North Canterbury around Kaikoura and Hurunui Districts. There are slips north and south of Kaikoura; State Highway 1 is still open although only to one lane in places. The rail line at Billy Goat Bay is closed due to slipping. There is surface water on roads and sandbagging has commenced in some areas of Kaikoura to control surface run off into properties. Sandbags are available for the public Environment Canterbury’s office on Beach Road and at local council offices.

Hurunui District Update

There are significant flows in the local rivers; however none of the rivers have breached their banks. There is surface flooding around the district although it has not reached the same level as the July 2008 storm. Civil Defence and flood controllers at Environment Canterbury are actively monitoring rivers and rainfall forecasts and will continue to do so overnight. Hurunui District Civil Defence is also closely monitoring the situation at coastal beach communities.

Waimakariri District Update

Sandbagging has occurred in the Swanannoa and Lowburn areas. Waimakariri District Civil Defence will be monitoring the situation throughout the night.

Selwyn District Update

There are significant flows in localised rivers that feed the Selwyn River, although no significant flooding is anticipated at this stage. The fords are closing and the Selwyn District Civil Defence is closely monitoring the situation at Selwyn Huts. There is some flooding to rural properties however; infrastructure remains unaffected in these areas.

Hurunui and Waimakariri District Councils have activated their Emergency Operations Centres. The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Emergency Coordination Centre will remain activated in support of affected districts overnight. Other territorial authorities throughout Canterbury are monitoring this situation closely and will activate if necessary.

ENDS

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