Kaikoura Earthquake media release #17, 22 November 2016, 1330hrs

Media Release 22 November 2016, 1330 hrs

“Our thoughts are with the people of Japan who currently have a tsunami warning in place, following the 7.4M earthquake earlier today,” says Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management Director, Sarah Stuart-Black. “There is no tsunami threat to New Zealand from the Honshu earthquake.”

In New Zealand, the response to the 7.8 magnitude Kaikoura earthquake will continue for as long as it is needed.

The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group State of Local Emergency has today been extended for another seven days to further support the emergency response, such as the management of the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (Inland Road), between Waiau and Kaikoura.

“We are continuing to focus on supporting affected communities, including those in remote areas, with assistance from a number of agencies. We know there will be a long road ahead for these communities and we want to reassure people we will be here with them.”

While there is still no public access to the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (Inland Road), controlled access is ensuring critical supplies are getting through, including a convoy of 14 military vehicles, travelling to Kaikoura today.

In Kaikoura, a boil water notice is still in place and a Recovery Assistance Centre has been established at Kaikoura Primary School with key agencies on hand to provide advice.

Kaikoura residents are reminded not to use home toilets, baths or washing machines. Water is still in short supply and the waste from toilets, washing machines and baths all goes through the sewerage system, which is broken.

“We need your help to minimise the waste going into the sewerage system to avoid environmental and health risks. It is important that everyone in Kaikoura uses portaloos or chemical toilets and not their own home toilets, even if they have running water. Residents in rural areas whose septic tanks are damaged are advised to dig a latrine if they do not have chemical toilets.”

In Hurunui, water has been restored to most areas, but must continue to be boiled. Water is being distributed to areas where the supply has not been restored.

In Marlborough the focus is on restoring water in Ward and Seddon. Power has been restored to almost everyone in Marlborough.

In Ward there is a Civil Defence Centre at Ward Hall for anyone wanting information and support, and public showers are available. The road south of Ward remains closed, except for residents and emergency services.

In Seddon the water supply is intermittent as repairs continue. The local supermarket is open.

Red Cross has set up a Drop In Centre at the Red Cross Rooms in Blenheim.

Twelve families have been isolated by a major landslip in the Awatere Valley, but at this stage there are no concerns for their welfare and the Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is in contact with these families.

In Wellington, the Wellington Regional Emergency Mangament Office (WREMO) and the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) are managing the ongoing assessment of buildings in the CBD.

Affected residents requiring temporary accommodation should contact MBIE on 0800 673 227.

Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups continue to ask that people do not donate goods, they can cause problems for the people who are trying to help. Please donate to relief funds instead.

• Hurunui Mayoral Fund: Donations can be made at any service centre/library in the Hurunui District or can be e-deposited into the bank account 03-0802-0946666-00. For electronic donation please use the reference EQ FUND.

• NZ Red Cross - www.redcross.org.nz/donate/november-2016-earthquake-appeal/

• Kaikoura District Council EQ Relief Fund – http://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/latest-news/earthquake-update-3/

An all of Government factsheet has been developed for residents in affected communities.

A 24/7 Earthquake Support Line is being run by the National Telehealth Service. If you need support or are concerned about how the situation is affecting you or your whānau, you can call for 0800 777 846 for support and advice.

ENDS

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