Media release 31 July 2008

Supporting evacuees after storm – and national summary

One of civil defence emergency management's (CDEM) aims in response to the national storm is to support those people who have been evacuated and to help them return to their homes safely as soon as possible.

The Ministry's National Opertations Manager, David Coetzee, said that people have been evacuated in North Shore, East Coast, Greymouth, Picton and Canterbury. City and District Council damage inspections will continue today.

Regional and local government CDEM offices are working with welfare organisations to support the people evacuated.

People needing welfare support (e.g. food, shelter, clothing etc) as a result of the storm should contact their local council or the government helpline 0800 779 997 for information about their nearest support services.

Summary of situation at 8am today

Wind and heavy rain are expected to cause damage and flooding across southern New Zealand over the next 11 to 17 hours.

A state of emergency remains in force in Marlborough.

CDEM emergency operations centres continue to operate in Thames Valley, Horowhenua, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and throughout Canterbury. The National Crisis Management Centre beneath the Beehive has been activated to monitor the situation and provide central government support if necessary.

Roads

The strong winds have resulted in intermittent closures and restrictions across the country, mainly due to fallen trees and landslides.
• State Highway 1
Flooding between Blenheim and Picton affecting traffic.
Closed between Blenheim and Parnassus (north Canterbury).
• State Highway 2
Slips have blocked one lane on the Rimutuka Hill, near Wellington.
• State Highway 6
Flooding between Blenheim and Nelson affecting traffic.
• Hawkes Bay
Surface flooding affected local road networks overnight.
• Horowhenua
Some local roads throughout the Horowhenua District remain closed.
• Marlborough
Some local roads throughout the Marlborough District remain closed.
• Canterbury
Roads in the Waimakiriri, Hurunui and Christchurch City local authorities have been affected by surface flooding.

Airports

Blenheim Airport has reopened.

Railways

The following rail lines are closed;
• Main Trunk Line closed between Otaki and Waikanae.
• Napier-Gisborne
• Woodville-Hastings
• Kinleith Branch Line
• Blenheim-Picton
ONTRACK is currently assessing the line between Blenheim and north Canterbury.

Electricity

Power outages have occurred in;
• Helensville and Kaipara. A large area lost power last night across this area. Restoration of supply is continuing.
• The Horowhenua District. Large areas are expected to be without power for several days. Power has been restored to many urban properties.
• Te Aroha; this was expected to be mostly restored by Wednesday evening, but this has not been confirmed.

Water supply
• Horowhenua: Water shortages in Shannon, due to a lightning strike.
• Marlborough: Boil water notice issued for Picton.

Waste water
• Horowhenua: Generators are in use due to power supply issues.
•
Petroleum, Gas and Telecommunications
• There are no petroleum or telecommunications issues.

ENDS

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