Westland Civil Defence Update #7

08:45

Westland District Civil Defence

Update from Duty Controller Chris Hawker:

All but one of our local roads are open again, as is SH6. Please take care driving as roading crews will be working all day to repair washouts, slips and remove debris. The only road that remains closed is the access road to the Glacier at Fox, however many of the walking tracks in that area have reopened.

Crews from Electronet are working to restore the power to Fox Glacier. The lines run through some difficult terrain with challenging access, so the current estimate is that the supply may be restored this evening. Power to the rest of Westland District has been restored. The supply to Whataroa is fragile due to damage from a car accident before the storm – residents are asked to continue using electricity conservatively.

All tap water for drinking, food preparation and personal hygiene in Fox Glacier and Arahura Pa must be boiled until further notice. If you have no means of heating water to boiling point for at least 2 minutes (electric jug, pot on a range, camp stove or BBQ) use 2 drops of household bleach per litre of water, stir and leave for 30 minutes.

With most services restored, Westland Civil Defence is focusing on the transition to recovery, and ensuring the ongoing welfare of our residents the length of the district. Our staff are proactively contacting community groups and representatives in each town, checking on local needs.

Residents needing immediate assistance can call 03 7569010 or 0800 474 834. When the Council office is closed, the answerphone message has options for after-hours support.

ENDS

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