Canterbury: Regional Update – Tsunami Alert.

CDEM Group Emergency Coordination Centre activated since 0100 28 February 2010. A media release has been issued outlining risk to Canterbury coast including specific advice for Banks Peninsula, and advising farmers to move stock from low lying areas. People gathering along beaches will be moved on and residents have been advised to stay away from coastal areas.

Kaikoura District Council The centre is basing its planning on the possibility of a one metre wave. The Peninsula Road is closed and staff are evacuating freedom campers from along the beach areas. Notifications via radio that low lying residents should be prepared to evacuate. Staff are on standby to close SH1 north from Cheviot if required in coordination with Police and the Marlborough District Council.

Hurunui District Council Volunteers in coastal communities have been informing residents to stay away the beach.

Waimakariri District Council Volunteers in coastal communities have been advising residents to stay off the beach and will focus their efforts on contacting people fishing at the Waimakariri River mouth.

Christchurch City Council Staff are preparing for potential evacuation of low lying areas of Banks Peninsula from Teddington, south of Lyttelton to Akaroa. Shipping movements in Lyttelton port cancelled for the day. For more information, contact Rachel Graham at the Christchurch City Council on 027 241 0244.

Selwyn District Council Rakaia fishing competition organisers were informed at 0530 of the possible tsunami. There are approximately 700 competitors over length of river and Ellesmere Search and Rescue are currently advising people to move from the river mouth.

Ashburton District Council Coastal settlements have been advised of the possible tsunami. Rakaia Search and Rescue is currently at river mouth advising people to move inland and staff are working to approximately one km upstream of mouth.

Timaru District Council Staff have been in contact with PrimePort and emergency contacts at coastal hut communities have advised of the threat.

Waimate District Council Roading staff to put signs up on road to Waihao Box and coordinating with the Waitaki District Council regarding any impact on the Waitaki River mouth.

ENDS

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