Media alert (4.15am, 14 Nov): North Canterbury earthquake

Please attribute to Dion Rosario, St John Incident Controller.

St John is sending its command unit towards Kaikoura.

Obviously there are potential issues with roads however we hope to get as close as possible so the unit can be utilised to coordinate responses if required.

We are sending additional paramedics to Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura by rescue helicopter – this is a precautionary measure, as we still do not have confirmed numbers of patients. However they will be available to support and treat people as required.

We have also sent an intensive care paramedic to provide support at the welfare centre at Linwood College.

This is a developing situation, we will provide further information as we have it.

Please check the Civil Defence website for more information: http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

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