Update on Aucklanders in Christchurch

The following council, lifelines, emergency services and civil defence staff are currently in Christchurch or at the national crisis management centre in Wellington assisting with earthquake recovery work.

* 130 police and the Eagle police helicopter

* 24 fire officers

* 11 health staff, including nurses and DHB staff

* 47 Auckland Council and CCO staff including Civil Defence, environmental health, GIS and Watercare staff

* 163 Ministry of Social Development and utilities representatives

* Total: 375
Many of these groups have taken vehicles and equipment with them.

In Auckland, a further 58 council, Civil Defence and welfare agency staff are running the Emergency Coordination Centre and the three reception centres (Auckland Airport, Manukau and Whenuapai Airport).

To date, 2463 people from Christchurch have registered at Auckland welfare centres. Of these, 1200 have been placed in accommodation in hotels, motels and with local billets. Ongoing support will include assessing medium-long term accommodation and financial needs.

Auckland hospitals are taking care of ICU patients from Christchurch and are on standby to receive more patients if required.

Auckland Civil Defence controller Clive Manley says Auckland's priorities remain the same.

"We are here to respond promptly to requests from Christchurch and Wellington; we are providing and coordinating welfare support for those people displaced from Christchurch and we are a single point of contact for information on Auckland's response.

"We will continue to provide help and support for as long as it is needed," he says.

ENDS

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