Thursday 20 June 2013

Civil Defence prepared and on stand-by during bad weather

Key agencies and emergency services will remain on stand-by overnight, as forecast bad weather reaches the city.

Snow has arrived on Banks Peninsula and heavy rain is expected overnight in the city. The Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) can be activated as soon as required.

Murray Sinclair, Civil Defence and Emergency Management says, “The forecast is for very cold temperatures gusty winds and further rain for the next 72 hours. Flooding is likely to be an issue in the usual areas across the city.

“We ask also all road users to slow down, drive with care, and be especially careful when driving through flooded areas, as the wakes and waves caused by vehicles can cause further flooding to already at-risk properties.

Road closures:
• Avonside Drive, between numbers 830 and 708.
• Owles Terrace, between Pages Road and Collingwood Street.
• Anzac Drive to Beresford Street.

Speed restrictions or flooding warnings have been put in place at:
• Ainsley Terrace, between Opawa Road and Centaurus Road.
• Totara Street, between Puriri Street and Miro Street.
• Bailey Street/Runnymeade intersection.
• Parts of Bridge Street, New Brighton.
• Shands Road at Sir James Wattie Drive intersection.

Public updates on weather conditions and emergency response will be issued regularly through Civil Defence if the EOC is activated.

Wastewater
Although the city’s infrastructure has responded well to heavy rainfall, the ongoing nature of this current storm has caused wastewater pipes to be backed up. As a consequence, wastewater overflow is continuing at various points into rivers and waterways across Christchurch. It is possible that flooded waterways, parks and roads may be contaminated with waste water. Care should be taken to avoid flood waters where possible. If you do come into contact with flood waters ensure that good hygiene measures (hand washing, removing and washing contaminated clothes etc) are taken.

The Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury and the District Health Board are working together in monitoring wastewater issues to ensure that they are resolved as soon as possible

• For media updates from tomorrow (Friday morning) contact the Civil Defence Public Information Manager on 027 505 3476.

• For guidelines on preparations in advance of heavy snowfall please visit www.ccc.govt.nz/homeliving/civildefence/bereadygetthru.aspx

• For up to the minute weather forecast details please visit
www.metservice.com

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