Fire crews are prioritising rescues and urging Aucklanders to only call 111 if there is a threat to life tonight.

Fire and Emergency is dealing with an estimated 1500 calls, with the communications centres prioritising those who need rescue.

Counties Manukau District Manager Brad Mosby says that people should check on their neighbours and help each other out as much as possible, so fire crews can concentrate on those in most urgent need of help.

"Our operational crews are doing an incredible job over many hours, alongside Police and St John. We’re doing everything we can to make sure that the people who need us most get the help they need as quickly as possible."

The Regional Coordination Centre was activated earlier this evening. Planning is underway to rotate crews and make sure there will be sufficient resources where they are needed to continue the work into tomorrow.

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